Issue: Vol 1, No. 1, May 2014
HRD SPEAKS
Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad assumed the charge as 5th
Chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC) on April
16, 2014. Dr. Ahmed is not a new name for the HEC. He
served as Executive Director from February 2013 to April
15, 2014. He also served as Member (Operations &
Planning) at HEC and played an integral role to uplift the
higher education sector of the country. He was among the
top strategic visionary individuals who put their rigorous
efforts to push HEC towards the road of success during the
initial years.
Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed
is New Chairman HEC
Before joining HEC as Executive Director, Dr. Mukhtar
Ahmed also represented Pakistan by joining Islamic
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO)
based in Rabat, Morocco as Deputy Director General. He
served in Directorates of Education, Science, Culture and
Communication, ICPSR, CPID (Planning and Strategic
Division) and ISESCO Regional Centers.
Dr. Mukhtar also has distinctions of leading educational
departments and with the help of his visionary approach, he
Dr. Kundi is a former Vice Chancellor of Gomal University, D.I.
Khan and is well equipped with 30 years of teaching and
administrative experience. He has done MS degree from
University of Arizona and PhD from University of Balochistan.
His teaching services including foreign universities (Turkey) has
enabled him to support the entire divisions of HEC as acting ED.
He has great aptitude of research therefore, he has written a
numbers of books and his research articles are published in
journals of international repute. He has represented Pakistan in
various academic and research events worldwide.
He plans to further refine the strategic and leadership skills
associated with his current position. His positive approach
towards working will contribute to the overall success of HEC.
His professional services, diverse organizational
experience and educational background encapsulate a
number of the positions. He has strong history of tasks and
time management. He believes that success is the only
option and systematic and transparent approaches can
clinch even hard organizational targets. He never dreamed
about the success rather worked for it. HRD division has
great hopes under his dynamic leadership.
Prof. Dr. Ghulam
Raza Bhatti
The new Divisional Head
assumes the charge of
Member (HRD), HEC
Prof. Dr. Mansoor
Akbar Kundi
joined HEC as
Member (Academics)
and holds acting charge of
Executive Director HEC
Prof. Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi has joined Higher Education
Commission (HEC) as Member (Academics). He is also holding
the charge of Executive Director HEC.
pushed those institutions of national and International level
towards progress and assured the victory and
accomplishments in their respective fields. His Master's in
Business Administration and PhD from University of
California, Riverside, USA along with diverse skills and over
27 years of educational development and management
experience at national and international level includes
teaching, research, administration, policy formulation,
distinguished career which is enriched with diverse
academic, administrative experience both in Public and
Private sectors made him a successful leader in the field of
education.
Prof. Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti has joined Higher Education Commission (HEC) as
Member (Human Resource Development). Dr. Bhatti did his Masters in Botany in
1983, MPhil in 1990 from University of Sind and PhD from the University of
London in the field of Plant Taxonomy in 1995.
Dr. Bhatti is equipped with 30 years of teaching experience at Shah Abul Latif
University (SALU), Khairpur. His teaching capabilities are well developed and
urges to perform research activities and indulges himself in transferring his
knowledge to his students, therefore, as a reward he earned the position of
Meritorious Professor in 2011. He has also been awarded the Izaz-e-Fazelat and
Best Teacher Award.
Dr. Bhatti garnered significant experience and knowledge in his field and was
selected as Fulbright Fellow for “Post Doc” at Missouri Botanical Garden, St.
Louis, USA. He is also founder Pro Vice Chancellor & founding Director, Center
for Biodiversity of Shikarpur campus of SALU. He also represented Pakistan on
International forums on Biodiversity such as “SAARC” and UN Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD).
His unique working style allows him to interact spontaneously with the entire team
of HRD division. He is a motivator and organizer and these skills have enabled
him to guide effectively using tact thus enables him to achieve the set divisional
targeted goals which will ultimately support the MTDF of HEC. He believes in
teamwork which is necessary for divisional cohesiveness. Over the last 30 years –
He has floated and implemented different innovative ideas in his field and to
improve the working environment where he has served. Most importantly – He
believes those who go on to great success in life are the ones who are not afraid to
try new things, however, his guidance will make a significant contribution to
strengthen the HRD division.
w w w. h e c . g o v. p k
HRD Monthly Newsletter
Events Corner
HRD Division in coordination with HEC RC Quetta organized the
launching ceremony of the Prime Minister Fee Reimbursement
scheme on May 21, 2014 at the Governor House Quetta, Balochistan.
The Finance Minister Mr. Ishaq Dar inaugurated the scheme by distributing
cheques and certificates among 60 students of various educational institutions
of Balochistan. Rs 1.20 billion has been earmarked for Fee Reimbursement
Scheme for FY 2013-14 and 35,000 students of 59 districts of the country
would be the beneficiaries including 4,000 students from 32 districts of
Balochistan. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was scheduled to attend the
ceremony but due to some health problems he could not attend.
The ceremony was attended by Governor Balochistan Mr. Mohammad Khan Achakzai, Chief
Minister Balochistan Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Federal Minister for SAFRON, Gen. (Retd) Abdul
Qadir Baloch, Minister for State for Higher Education, Engr. Balighur Rehman, Chairman
Higher Education Commission, Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, Senior Balochistan Minister, Nawab
Sanaullah Zehri, provincial ministers, MPAs, senior officials and around 1,900 beneficiaries
from 6 universities of Balochistan including 200 students from far-flung universities of Turbat
and Lasbela.
The Prime Minister Fee Reimbursement scheme was approved on 1st June, 2012 by the
Cabinet Division for the Financial Year 2012-13 for Masters, MS/MPhil and PhD students of
Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan and FATA. Current scheme was announced in the Budget
Speech for Financial Year 2013-14 by the Finance Minister; expanding the scope of the
scheme to following regions:
Interior Sindh and Southern Punjab
AJK
Malakand, Kohistan, D.I.Khan Divisions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Attock, Mianwali, Khushab and Bhakkar Districts of Punjab
Under the scheme, all students who are enrolled on merit in Masters,
MS/M.Phil and studying in their respective areas of province and Ph.D
students of these areas studying throughout Pakistan are eligible. The
educational expenses of all eligible students will be reimbursed.
Politicians, civil society, teachers, parents and students welcomed the
federal government initiative and said it would be a breakthrough to achieve
goal of quality education in the province.
The ceremony was very successful and organized and more than 2,200
students and guests participated in the ceremony. It was not an easy job to
organize such a big event on such a short notice, but the determination and
commitment of HEC team made it possible.
The Scholarship Management Committee Meeting under HEC-French Needs Based
Scholarship Program Phase-II
The Scholarship Management Committee meeting under HECFrench Needs Based Scholarship Program Phase-II was held on
Friday 30th May 2014 to approve 216 cases of the deserving
students who had meagre financial resources. The program is
meant to extend helping hand to the needy and unprivileged
students of Pakistani universities who cannot continue their
studies because of lack of finances. Contrary to the first phase,
this time a flat rate of 50,000/student/annum is allocated. Ten
universities participated in the program. To fetch more benefits, it
was compulsory to award as much as 30% of the scholarships to
the female students.
Madam Martine HERLEM-HAMIDI, Counsellor for Cooperation
and Cultural Affairs in French Embassy Islamabad and Mr.
Chaouki Boutharouite, Scientific Attaché, French Embassy
represent the French government showed their full satisfaction
and confidence over the program execution by HEC and the
participating universities.
Director General HRD, HEC Mr. Ahmed Yahya Khan chaired the
meeting whereas honorable Member HRD, HEC Porf. Dr. Raza
Bhatti, graced the occasion with his presence.
The French government intends to continue the support through
this wonderful program in future also.
Welcome to Divisional Head by HRD division
Dr. Raza Bhatti appreciated the way he was welcomed by the
HRD division. The staff of HRD division have great
expectations from the newly appointed divisional head who is
expected to protect the rights of every individual appointed at
HRD division.
Mr. Tariq Abdullah PS to DG (HRD) office coordinated and
organized the event successfully.
( Mr. Shaikh M. Ali & Ms. Saima Naurin , Project Directors
(HRD) presenting a welcome gift to Dr. Raza Bhatti)
On Monday 12th May 2014, a welcome party was arranged by
HRD division in the honor of Prof. Dr. Raza Bhatti who recently
resumed the charge at HEC as Member (HRD). The Director
General Mr. Ahmad Yahya Khan along with Project Directors and
Project Incharges, warmly welcomed the divisional head who
assumed his duties at the division in unique way by serving every
member with sweets and forwarded bouquet for HRD division
before his arrival. On behalf of HRD, a bouquet and gift was also
presented to him as a token of good wishes from the division.
Prof. Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, HEC visited HRD Division
On May 16, 2014 Prof. Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi (Member
Academics) who is also holding the designation of Executive
Director of HEC visited HRD division. Prof. Dr. Raza Bhatii,
Member HRD and Mr. Ahmad Yahya Khan , Director General
(HRD) along with Project Directors and Project In charges warmly
welcomed him. He exchanged his views and expectations from
HRD division. He was also given the updated status of the projects
in the shape of presentation by the Project Directors and project
Incharges. He appreciated the performance made by the projects
of HRD Division.
HRD starts Environmental Cleanliness Activities
Prof. Dr. Raza Bhatti, Member HRD started the awareness campaign on clean environment of HRD building & energy conservation. It
has been directed to entire officials of HRD division to keep their workplace clean even on voluntarily basis.
Mr. Tariq Abdullah PS to DG office has taken the charge and control of entire sanitary workers assigned to HRD division. On direction of
Member HRD, he has initiated a campaign of cleanliness of entire building with the help of those sanitary workers.
Member (HRD) Interaction with Project directors and Project In charges
The divisional head Member (HRD) showed his consent to meet every Project Director and Project Incharg personally to see and
analyze the project activities and work flows.
Rana Shafiq Project Director Overseas PhD Scholarship Phase-II
Mrs. Ishrat Ansari Project Director Post Doctorate Fellowship Program
HRD Monthly Newsletter
HRD Activities- Inside the Building
HRD Monthly Newsletter
Construction of Ramp
Dr. Raza Bhatti, Member (HRD) has directed to construct a ramp on HRD division main stairs to facilitate the officers and visitors who
are not able to enter into the building due to different health issues and senior citizens visiting this building. The Engineering section of
HRD division has started work in last week of May and is almost complete.
Visit Corner
Visit of Project Director Indigenous Scholarship Schemes to Fatima Jinnah University, Rawalpindi.
On May 28, 2014 on behalf of Vice Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, Mr. Ghulam Mujtaba Kiyani, Treasurer
invited the Project Director, Indigenous Scholarship schemes, Saima Naurin on lunch. The basic objective was to communicate the
issues and problems faced by the university during implementing the Indigenous scholarship matters and HEC Approved
Supervisors.
News & Announcement Corner
Overseas Scholarship Scheme Phase-II” 90%; Batch-V
provisionally offered to 45 Candidates
.Under the project titled “Overseas Scholarship Scheme
Phase-II” 90%; Batch-V, 45 candidates were provisionally
selected for award of PhD program for Germany. Around 20
new scholars have secured German visa and planning to
proceed during the first week of June-2014 to start German
Language course there. Moreover, under the Batch-V of the
above mentioned project, 18 applicants were also
interviewed for award of scholarship for PhD program for
Massey University, New Zealand. Out of 18 students, 7 can
secure their admission in PhD program. Provisional
selection of these 7 new scholars has been approved by
competent authority as well and their Provisional Award
letters have been issued.
Prof. Richard Archer, Chairman, Selection committee of
Massey University, New Zealand
Indigenous scholarship program 5000 phase II,
Launching of Indigenous 5000 Scholarship Program
Phase II- another Step towards National Prosperity and
Success.
Faculty always remain an integral part of any Degree
awarding institute. It's a road to success in learning and
producing future leaders to lead the Nation. That's why
successful and progressive nations have invested in their
Human Resources and now they are reaping the fruit. So the
best way to develop is to promote the talented youth of every
sphere of life, without taking any religion, ethnicity or cultural
back ground in to account.
The objective of the 5000 Indigenous Scholarship Scheme is
to develop and nourish human resources of the country
nationally with highly qualified human resources in all fields
of studies taught at PhD level in local universities. These
locally qualified academicians and researchers are
enhancing the quality of faculty and R&D potential of public
and private sector universities.
Since the inception of the scheme, research of international
standards has been flourished. This project is addressing
almost all disciplines of Science & Technology as well as
Social Sciences, Humanities and Life Sciences. Research
facilities are being funded by HEC to develop labs and
research facilities at Local Pakistani Universities.
Indigenously produced PhD scholars through Indigenous
scholarship program have addressed locally prevailed
issues related to different industries and they are
contributing towards national growth of socio-economic
future perspectives of the country.
In addition to the Phase I of the 5000 Indigenous Scholarship
scheme, Phase II has been launched in the July of 2013.
Almost 2500 Scholars have been considered provisionally
successful.
Phase II- Batch II- Result has been
announced, and almost all relevant
issues are being addressed
thorough a website dedicated
portal, for example How to Apply,
Selection criteria, Eligibility Criteria,
Required Documents, Terms &
Conditions, Laptop Policy Decision,
Financial Support, Frequently
Asked Questions, Related
Documents, PhD Completed
Statistics, NOC to avail IRSIP, SOP's for Supervisor Change,
SOP's for Change of University, Merit Cut of Point, Contact
information, Guidelines-Scholars/Supervisors, etc..
Deadline for the submission of pre-requisite documents for new
Awardees of Indigenous scholarship Phase-II, batch-2
The selected scholars provisionally who secure admission in
MS/M. Phil PhD program up to March 15, 2014 were required
to provide the pre-requisites till May 20, 2014 for the processing
of final award.
The scholars who could not enroll before this date were granted
a deadline i.e. September 30, 2014 for the submission of
documents.
The Youngest Nanotechnologist in the Country- Overseas
PhD scholarship scheme-Phase-II
Dr. Anzar Khaliq is an HEC Scholar who graduated from
University of Paris VI in September 2012 and returned to
Pakistan with a PhD degree in Nanotechnologies (Physical
Chemistry and Surface Science). Graduating at the age of 26,
Anzar Khaliq probably is the youngest Nanotechnologist in the
country and is quite ambitious to promote nano sciences in
Pakistan.
The high quality of work done during the PhD work was highly
appreciated by the scientific community. He was awarded the best
student poster award and a best scientific talk award in year 2011
in a summer school and a conference C'Nano ile-de-France. He
was twice nominated for the second best student poster in
SOLEIL users meeting 2011 and 2012 which is an international
conference that gathers synchrotron scientists across the globe.
He was also selected to give talks in some highly reputed
international conferences such as European Conference on
Surface Sciences (ECOSS). In 2011, he was invited to Karachi
University for an invited talk in an International conference on
Physics. In 2012, he was amongst the 10 speakers that are short
listed from a total of
approximately 500 student
speakers for a best student talk
competition in CMD-24 and
ECOSS 29. ECOSS 29 is the
biggest surface science
conference in Europe and this
year with a combination of 4
different conferences it became
the biggest in the world of its
kind.
In the final year of his studies he was inducted in the university's
syndicate of Institute of Doctoral studies that take in 6 students per
annum that become a part of the decision making committee. He
was the only non-French member of the syndicate.
Dr. Anzar Khaliq has returned to Pakistan with not only some high
quality scientific skills but also some very valuable European
connections that will help to establish a liaison between European
and Pakistani scientific community.
Two scholars completed their PhD from France under Overseas Scholarship Phase-II
Dr. Vikram Mehraj
Dr. Vikram Mehraj has successfully completed
PhD in 2013 from Aix-Marseille University, France
and field of study was Infectious Diseases. The
PhD work was on the concept of macrophage
polarization and its application to infectious
diseases. Macrophages are important cells for our
immune system and show two types of states,
called as M1 and M2. For this purpose, he initially
created a whole genome transcriptional profile of
M1 and M2 polarized macrophages. Then,
extended the studies to monocytes, infected cells and blood samples from
human Q fever patients. His research findings were published in six papers
in international journals during PhD. He has also plans to carry out similar
studies on infectious diseases prevalent in Pakistan. Currently he is working
as a Project Manager in a government of Sindh funded project on HIV/AIDS
in long distance trucker at the Blessing Foundation, Karachi.
Dr. M. Sohail Amjad
Dr. M. Sohail Amjad has
successfully completed
PhD in 2014 from
Universite Paris-Sud,
Orsay, France in the field of
Particle Physics. He
intends to continue working
in the same domain, and is
hopeful to put in all his
efforts for the purpose of
developing a culture of research in Experimental
Particle Physics in Pakistan. The future projects of
studying the particles in depth carry a lot of potential
for this perspective.
Dream of middle Class family comes true-Dr. Khalid Ahmad completed PhD degree
under Indigenous scholarship scheme
Dr. Khalid Ahmad, completed his PhD in Plant Sciences from Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad,
under the supervision of Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad, Assistant Professor. This University is a top rank
university of the country and there is pleasant environment for advance research. During his PhD,
he has published some papers in national and international peer- reviewed journals. His expertise is
in the field of Plant Sciences and specialization is based on Ethno botany. His Theses work and its
significance towards economic growth of the country also indicate the key areas where it can be
utilized.
Dr. Khalid basically belongs to a middle class family of South Waziristan Agency, in a small village
Kaza Kach (FATA). He appreciated the role of HEC in making his dreams true as he wished from his
young age to become a PhD doctor. He also thanks HEC for supporting him through HEC-Indigenous
fellowship. He said, he is proud of HEC because of its excellent performance in facilitating students
and promoting higher education in Pakistan. His entire journey of education provided him an
opportunity to learn about multiple directions of culture, ethnic and indigenous environment, skills
development, foreign exposure and through personality development.
HRD Monthly Newsletter
Achievements Corner
HRD Monthly Newsletter
First Pharmacy PhD holder in Swabi, KPK---under Indigenous scholarship scheme.
Dr. Naveed Ullah has completed his PhD from the Department of Pharmacy, University of Malakand
under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Mir Azam Khan. His field of specialization is Pharmacy including
Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
The accomplishment of this project of the scholar is the fruit of his commitment towards his education.
He appreciated and deeply acknowledged the role of HEC in completion of his research study. He
added that he can proudly say that the support of HEC and the encouragements of his parents are the
two pillars of the accomplishment of PhD. He opined “By the grace of almighty Allah, I am the 1st
Pharmacy PhD holder in our village”.
During his PhD studies, he worked on several research projects which have been published in various
international journals. Beside these, several other research papers of PhD work are in the pipeline of
publishing i.e. some are accepted in various journals and some are in the review processes.
He is serving as an Assistant professor at the University of Swabi.
Dr. Rao Aamir Ali Khan, Hazara University Mansehra, completed his PhD from
Germany under Weaker Universities scheme of HEC.
Rao Aamir Ali Khan was awarded HEC scholarship under the scheme of Master leading to PhD for the weaker
universities in 2007. He completed 2 months German language course from Carl Duisburg Centrum,
Dortmund. Germany. He successfully completed his Master degree (European Master in Project
Management) from University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Dortmund, Germany in 2009. Furthermore, he
successfully completed his PhD degree from Faculty of Mechanical Engineering University of Kassel, Kassel,
Germany in December, 2013.
His PhD work relates to success factors of international projects. The international projects have displayed
great difficulty in coping with the increasing complexity of international project environment. Therefore an
understanding of the international project environment and how it should be managed is of significant importance. However,
the international projects have received little detailed attention in project management literature. His research work reviews the
literature on success factors and identifies organization, people, project and national factors as key success dimensions. His
work emphasizes the significance of considering and understanding the influence of related success factors to deal with the
increasing level of difficulty.
Dr. Rao Aamir Ali Khan is currently working as Lecturer in the department of Management Sciences, Hazara University,
Mansehra.
Press Releases Corner
HEC, University of New Mexico (USA) sign Document of
Understanding
A Document of Understanding (DOU) was signed between
the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and
the University of New Mexico (UNM), USA. UNM is offering
partial support in terms of tuition fee under the said DOU for
HEC scholars who will get admitted at UNM. For Spring2014 session, six scholars already joined UNM under the
said scheme and successfully pursuing their MS/PhD
studies.
HEC, Royal Holloway University of London sign
Document of Understanding
A Document of Understanding (DOU) was signed between
the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and
the Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL), UK. Under
that DOU, RHUL is offering full tuition fee waiver for PhD
studies in any of the academic disciplines represented at the
University. Every year nine scholarships will be awarded for
PhD studies under the said DOU.
HEC, University of New South Wales (Australia) sign
Document of Understanding
A Document of Understanding (DOU) was signed between
the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and
the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia. A
document signing ceremony was held at HEC Lecture Hall
on 4-Sep-2013. H.E. Peter Heyward, Australian High
Commissioner to Pakistan joined the event with Ms. Fiona
Docherty, Pro-Vice Chancellor (UNSM). UNSW is ranked as
no.52, as per QS world university ranking. Under that DOU,
UNSW is offering 100% tuition fee waiver to HEC scholars for
PhD studies. Every year, 15 scholarships will be awarded to
Pakistani nationals for PhD studies in any of the academic
disciplines offered at the university.
HEC, Cambridge Commonwealth Trust (University of
Cambridge, UK) Collaboration
HEC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Cambridge Common wealth Trust (CCT) on the establishment
of the Pakistan-HEC Cambridge Scholarship Program in Feb2011. The aim of the program is to choose five outstanding
Pakistani nationals every year to study at the University of
Cambridge. University of Cambridge is ranked on no 3, as per
QS world university ranking. According to the MoU, HEC will
pay 5,000GBP towards the tuition fee plus its standard stipend
9,000 GBP per annum. CCT will pay the remaining tuition fee,
the College Fee and the remaining annual stipend to bring that
up to CCT's annual amount. Twelve scholarships have been
awarded under Batch1, Batch2 and Batch3 respectively and
scholars are pursuing their education successfully. Recently,
applications have been invited for Batch4 of this scheme and
scrutiny of applications are in process.
Saima Naurin
Project Director-IS
snaurin@hec.gov.pk