By Imtiaz Hussain
SUKKUR: Sukkur IBA University has inaugurated a state-of-the-art smart classroom at the University of Baltistan under the European Commission-funded Erasmus Plus CBHE RAPID Project, with the Sindh-based institution serving as the lead partner.
The inauguration was held at the University of Baltistan and was attended by Governor Gilgit-Baltistan Syed Mehdi Shah as chief guest, along with representatives of partner universities, faculty members, students, civil society representatives and media personnel. A nominee from the Higher Education Commission Pakistan also joined the event online.
The Sukkur IBA University delegation was led by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Asif Ahmed Shaikh and included RAPID Project Lead Professor Dr Javed Ahmed Shahani, Registrar Engineer Muhammad Hafeez Tunio and Executive Secretary Meraj Mahar.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Asif Ahmed Shaikh said Sukkur IBA University continued the legacy of its founding vice chancellor, the late Professor Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui, by serving society through education and community development. He said the university aimed to connect all provinces of Pakistan, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, through quality education and academic collaboration to support socio-economic development.
He said the institution had deliberately partnered with universities in less developed regions to strengthen their capacity through online learning and smart classroom initiatives. He also offered exchange programme opportunities to the University of Baltistan and highlighted ongoing initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan under the OGDC NTHP programme.
Professor Dr Javed Ahmed Shahani briefed participants on the objectives of the RAPID Project, saying its recommendations would be submitted to the Higher Education Commission Pakistan to support improvements in the country’s online and distance learning policy. He also highlighted cooperation between Sukkur IBA University and European partners in promoting technology-enabled education.
The RAPID Project includes European partners such as the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Linnaeus University and Sapienza University of Rome, alongside Pakistani partners including the Higher Education Commission Pakistan, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Institute of Business Administration Karachi and Sukkur IBA University.
Affiliated institutions include the University of Baltistan, University of Balochistan and the University of Turbat.
Officials said the newly established smart classroom is equipped with advanced digital facilities including an interactive display system, e-learning tools, virtual desktop setup, central control system, high-speed internet and live video communication equipment designed to support interactive teaching and learning.
European delegation representative Dr Sebastian Lorian highlighted funding opportunities for Pakistani universities, while Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and University of Baltistan Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Masood Akhtar appreciated Sukkur IBA University’s role in supporting rural institutions through collaborative academic initiatives.
