Islamabad: (Parliament Times) President Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Masood Khan presided the 10th Senate meeting of Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) held here at the President Office, Islamabad.
During the meeting, Vice Chancellor MUST Prof. Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman presented President AJK with a detailed briefing and overview on the university’s academic achievements, ongoing development projects and matters relating to the establishment of MUST sub-campus at Pallandri.
The meeting was also attended by Prof. Dr. Samina Amin Qadir, VC Fatima Jinnah University Rawalpindi, Syed Shahid Mohi-ud-Din, Secretary Higher Education AJK, Mr. Awan Ahmad, DG Higher Education Commission (nominee of Chairman HEC), Dr. Muhammad Khan, Professor International Islamic University, other members of the Senate board, and senior faculty members of MUST.
President Azad Kashmir, who is also the Chancellor of AJK Public Sector Universities said that modern disciplines will be introduced at the tertiary level in order to produce competent graduates equipped with the requisite academic skills. He said that universities will focus on innovation and industry-based research work to help raise the educational standards in AJK Universities.
The President said that the current government prioritizes merit-based admissions and inductions in universities. “Merit alone can ensure our universities and graduates meet international academic standards”, he said. He added that no political interference will be allowed to influence decision making in universities.
President Azad Kashmir said that our focus will always be on improving the quality of education imparted at our universities. He said that numerous international universities have shown their interest in establishing partnerships with our universities, especially for student exchange, and split degree programs, Ph.D. and Post-Doctorate research work. This, he said, would provide a great opportunity for our students and faculty to acquire academic expertise and global exposure.
President Masood Khan urged the timely completion of planning and construction of the MUST sub-campus at Pallandri. The President was informed that the AJK Government has transferred the required land and the feasibility report has been submitted to the HEC for approval. President AJK said that the sub-campus will be made according to international standards and will provide modern educational facilities for the aspiring students.
“We will build modern education facilities and introduce research-based curricula which would not only bring us at par with national universities but also make our universities regionally competitive”, said President Masood.
The President on the occasion thanked HEC for their continuing support in funding ongoing projects, construction of sub-campuses and their invaluable input on various academic matters of the universities in Azad Kashmir.
