Islamabad, September 16, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology was briefed in detail by on functions and working of COMSATS University, its campuses and staff and the under construction Quetta Campus. The Committee was also updated on the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC). Chaired by Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, the meeting was attended by Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi, Senator Sana Jamali, Senator Liquate Khan Tarakai, and senior officers of the Ministry along with all concerned.
Deliberating over the functions of the University the Committee was informed of the seven campuses across Pakistan. Members were of the view that the University must establish campuses in rural settings so that students in those areas may benefit as well. The Committee recommended that provincial quota may be implemented in COMSATS and that students from Balochistan may be given special quota in admissions.
It also showed concern regarding the lowering of the University’s world ranking. Regarding Staff promotions the Committee expressed its reservations regarding delay by the Selection Board. Reasons are to be submitted to the Committee. Discussing the various projects that the University has been involved with the Committee stressed the need for COMSATS University to focus on sustainable energy projects.
Reviewing business development initiatives the Committee was informed that 129 Companies have been enrolled at the Student Start up Business Centre to-date. Regarding research projects, it was known that funding is carried out through different funding agencies. For the FY 2020-21 a total of 11 projects worth PKR 91.75 million have be approved. The University won the 3G Research Excellence Award 2018 and 2019.
Discussing recruitment and placements the Committee directed that COMSATS University share its recruitment policy with the Committee. It also stressed the need for ensuring that Balochistan is included in the divisible pool. The Committee was informed that 1450 scholarships were awarded to students this year. PKR 31,829,000 have been disbursed. Scholarships have also been awarded to students by HEC under the EHSAAS Program.
Discussing the establishment of the COMSATS University Campus in Quetta, the Committee was informed that an enrolment of almost 3500 students was expected. The University aims to provide higher education facilities to students from Quetta, Pishin, Ziarat, Mastung and Chagi.
A feasibility study was conducted and was shared with HEC in June, 2016; followed by submission of PC-I amounting PKR 4,471,923 million. The proposed duration of completion is 48 months. The project has been approved by the Board of Governors of COMSATS Institute in January, 2016. The project awaits approval of competent quarters.
It was recommended that until the campus is up and running, students must be accommodated in campuses in other cities. The Committee directed the Ministry to Coordinate with HEC regarding the establishment of the Quetta Campus and report back in two weeks. Reviewing the performance of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), the Committee was informed that PEC is an apex body to regulate the Engineering profession including Engineering education and practice in Pakistan.
The Committee showed concern regarding the absence of Chairman PEC. It stressed the need for formulating a rotation policy amongst provinces for the election of the Chairman. Amendments would be recommended by the Committee in this regard.
The Committee was of the view that PEC must broaden its ambit and include and facilitate professionals that are at the lower rung of the ladder. It stressed the need for a level playing ground. Discussing registration of engineers the Committee showed concern over decreasing number of registrations. It also directed that domiciles of employees from Balochistan be presented to the Committee.
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