Altaf Hamid Rao;
MIRPUR (AJK: Power generation experts including seasoned academicians of global repute from various developed nations while addressing 1st 2-day International Conference on Power, Energy and Smart Grid at Mirpur University of Science & Technolohgy (MUST) here on Monday strongly suggested the invention and innovation of inexpensive resources for the generation of electricity to combat the prevailing energy crises especially in the under-developing countries like Pakistan including Azad Jammu Kashmir through utilization of the huge available natural potential in the concerned areas.
AJK Power minister Raja Nisar Ahmed inaugurated the conference, first of its own kind in Azad Jammu Kashmir, hosted by the state-run Mirpur University of Science & Technology (MUST) with the coordination of Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, Pakistan Science Foundation and Laraib Energy Limited to discuss and devise mechanism, harmonious to the need of the modern era, to combat the growing energy crises in various parts of the world.
The inaugural session was chaired by Dean Faculty of Engineering, UET Lahore Prof. Dr. Sohail Aftab Qureshi with the chief host of the august global congregation Vice Chancellor of the MUST Prof. Dr. Habib ur Rehman (Sitara e Imtiaz) who highlighted the importance of holding of the conference for making both the faculty and the students of Electrical and Electronics Engineering of MUST acquainted of the most modern means to boost their academic and professional skills in line with the needs of the modern age. Unveiling the salient features of the conference, Publication Chair and Senior Member International Electrical and Electronics Engineering (SMIEEE) Engr. Dr. Anzar Mahmood, Chairman Power Department Engr. Prof. Shabir Mirza, Dean Faculty of Engineering and Technology Prof. Dr. Anwar Khatab said that the prime focus of the global moot is to promote research in the area of power systems and energy to cope with the technological challenges, energy crises situation and environmental issues faced by the power and energy sectors in different parts of the world”, they said.
Inaugurating the conference, the chief guest Raja Nisar Ahmed Khan, AJK minister for Electricity, Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Justice said that the AJK government was taking all possible measures to overcome the energy crises in the country through meeting the future national and local needs of electricity through encouraging the hydro power generation through huge available resources in Azad Jammu Kashmir.
Nisar referred to the existing, under-construction and proposed hydro-power generation projects in Azad Jammu Kashmir including 1400-MW Mangla Power House, New Bong Laraib Hydel Power Project, Jagraan Hydel Power project, 969-MW Neelam Jhelum Hydel Power Project (to be inaugurated on April 13), Gulpur, Azad Pattan, Karote Hydro Power projects and upcoming Kohala Hydel Power projects – both in Private and Public sectors in AJK. He said that since shortage of energy was a major problem in the country. He expressed the hope that with the timely completion of the under construction and proposed hydro power projects in AJK – will help in to overcome the energy crises in the country – besides meeting the local needs of power – to great extent. Referring to the fruits of the upcoming China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the minister said that the gigantic project of national progress and prosperity will also open new vistas of speedy economic progress and prosperity in Azad Jammu Kashmir – where 9thSpecial Economic Zone was going to be set up under the mega project, he underlined. He said that CPEC will strengthen the socio economic conditions of Pakistan including AJK.
Addressing the Conference, Vice Chancellor MUST Prof. Dr. Habib ur Rehman (Sitara e Imtiaz) said that such congregations and Seminars bring a lot of benefits, provide opportunities for making friendships and developing collaborations. He expressed the hope that this conference will help the faculty and students of our university in establishing research collaboration and developing joint research projects. I would like to ensure the participants that this University will take every possible measure for developing research collaboration and academic links with participating delegates and their institutions. Referring to the laurels achieved by Mirpur University of Science & Technology since its emergence in 2009, the VC said “Within a short span of time MUST have been developed as the world-class University to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. “The hosting of this international conference is the ample proof of our continuing progress and development”. He disclosed that the MUST achieved 91.50 points in league table position in the HEC’s University Quality Guide 2017. “All such achievements are a result of hard work of the Deans, Directors/ Chairpersons, Faculty and Staff Members. We will continue working hard for the development of the University. “During 2017, our faculty members have published 336 research papers in journals of international repute. We are conscious that our research should be directed at solving local problems and finding their scientific solutions by exploiting indigenous resources”, he underlined.
Expressing gratitude of HEC, Pakistan Science Foundation and other organizations for facilitating the Varsity in hosting the international conference of this grand level in a befitting manner, the VC said it was a difficult enterprise, it requires a lot of funding and extra-ordinary efforts while we appreciate the efforts of the organizing committees in organizing the conference. He deeply acknowledged the sponsors of the organisations including the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Pakistan Science Foundation, Inter Mark Pvt. Ltd., Seven Star Construction Company, Multiline Books Pvt. Ltd. Lahore, Pak Book Corporation Lahore and Laraib Energy Ltd. Mirpur. ‘’We are grateful for them for their contribution towards meeting the organization cost of the conference. We will also acknowledge your contribution in our publications”, he concluded.
