By Imtiaz Hussain
KHAIRPUR: Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairman Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, during a visit to Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology Khairpur, said the commission had resolved a key issue concerning engineering technologists (BTech/BS Technology) in Pakistan, now registered by the National Technology Council (NTC) in line with the Sydney Accord.
The HEC chairman added that graduates from technical universities are registered with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) in accordance with the Washington Accord. He visited Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University of Technology and Skill Development, Khairpur, where he was warmly received by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rasool Bux Mahar.
During the visit, he inaugurated a newly constructed multipurpose hall and what was described as the first real-time air quality monitoring system in a public university in Sindh. On the occasion, he also planted a sapling at the new campus as part of a tree plantation campaign.
Prof Dr Niaz later visited a technical exhibition organized by students and praised their innovative projects. Addressing the gathering, he said student projects could be further developed on commercial lines and made competitive in international markets. He said the HEC is focusing on producing technologists, adding that there are significant job opportunities for them.
The HEC chairman emphasized the need to strengthen new ideas and techniques, with a particular focus on projects. He said the federal and provincial HECs are doing a good job in strengthening the quality of education and are committed to addressing budgetary issues and research programs.
Vice Chancellor Dr Rasool Bux Mahar briefed the chairman on the university’s academic programs and future development plans, highlighting the role of the HEC in improving higher education and promoting research activities in the country.
The event was attended by the vice chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Nawabshah, Prof Dr Saleem Raza Samo, Regional Director HEC Sindh Suleman Ahmed, faculty members and a large number of students.
