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Foundation Stone Laid for Al-Andalus Innovation Center at Narowal University

Al-Andalus Innovation Center at Narowal University

A groundbreaking moment in research and innovation unfolded at the University of Narowal (UoN) as the foundation stone for the country’s tallest innovation center, the Al-Andalus Innovation Center, was laid by Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal Choudhary.

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The center, inspired by the 13th-century Andalusian architecture of Muslim Spain, is a 14-story, 165-foot-tall structure dedicated to advancing research and innovation in Pakistan. The building will house ten floors exclusively for research activities, making it a beacon of academic and technological progress.

Among its features are a 100,000-gallon water tank, an open-air café on the 12th floor, and a rooftop restaurant accessible by an elevator that will traverse the building’s unique perforated façade designed to reduce direct sunlight exposure.

Speaking at the event, Professor Ahsan Iqbal Choudhary, who is also the founding father of the University of Narowal, expressed his pride and commitment to the institution’s growth. “This university was a dream that has become a reality. The Al-Andalus Innovation Center will set new standards in research and innovation, positioning Pakistan among global leaders,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of education, science, and technology in driving progress and assured the audience of his ministry’s unwavering support. “My vision is to see this university among the top institutions in the country and the world,” he added.

In addition to laying the foundation for the innovation center, the minister inaugurated a state-of-the-art academic block equipped to meet the growing academic demands of the university. This addition complements other ongoing construction projects, including faculty and staff housing, student hostels, a shopping center, and a mosque.

The occasion also marked the start of the three-day Narowal Youth Festival. The festival features a variety of activities, including a job fair, book fair, cultural arts exhibition, food gala, Sufi music, Qawwali, and painting and calligraphy showcases, providing a vibrant platform for students and the community to engage and celebrate their heritage.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Members of Parliament Rana Manan Khan and Khawaja Waseem Butt, religious scholar Peer Syed Azhar-ul-Hassan Gillani, and Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Younus Rana. Addressing faculty and students, Professor Rana called for renewed dedication to excellence in education and innovation.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the minister distributed souvenirs to key stakeholders, commending their dedication to the university’s development.

The Al-Andalus Innovation Center is set to become a hallmark of academic excellence, reflecting the University of Narowal’s commitment to fostering research and innovation to propel Pakistan into a leading position on the global stage.

Related: Faculty Development Program at Narowal University Marks a Milestone in Higher Education
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