Aberdeen Meets Islamabad: A Step towards Scottish-Pakistani Academic Synergy and CUI & RGU Join Hands for a Promising Academic Future
Islamabad: April 16, 2025 — a delegation from Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen, Scotland, visited COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) on April 16, 2025. The delegates included Dr. Dan Allen, Dean of Gray’s School of Art, and Dr. John Isaacs, Dean School of Computing, Engineering and Technology. Their journey aimed to explore a tapestry of shared academic and research opportunities with CUI.
This visit was facilitated by the Pakistan-UK & Ireland Business Council, functioning under the aegis of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), in close coordination with COMSATS Headquarters. The visit was arranged by the University at the special behest of Ambassador Dr. Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Executive Director, COMSATS, whose continued efforts to strengthen cross-border educational bridges are widely commended. Representing COMSATS Secretariat were Dr. Mehwish Qayyum Durani, Additional Director and Head COMSATS Centre for Climate and Sustainability (CCCS), and Dr. Huma Baloch, Deputy Director IPOs and CCCS. The FPCCI was represented by Mr. Arsalan Ijaz Anwer, Director; Ms. Sana Mehwish, Project Manager; and Mr. Mishaal Bakhtiar, who also joined the delegates.
The RGU delegation was received by Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., Head International Office and his team. The delegates were shown various laboratories and facilities of the Departments of Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science, in addition to touring the Junaid Zaidi Library and the Art Gallery. The formal meeting included a suite of presentations of RGU and its School of Computing, Engineering and Technology by Dr. Allen and Dr. John which was attended by senior academicians Prof. Dr. Sohail Asghar, Dean, Faculty of Information Science and Technology and In-Charge, Islamabad Campus; Prof. Dr. Shahzad A. Malik, Dean, Faculty of Engineering; and Prof. Dr. Shahida Mansoor, Dean, Faculty of Architecture and Design. Joining them were Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., Head, International Office, and Mr. Zubair Iqbal, UK Desk Officer.
CUI's overview, achievements, ranking, R&D and past UK engagements were presented by Dr. Omer. Dr. Omer also presented CUI’s historic UK linkages, and revealed a visit by The Rt. Hon. Lord David Cameron, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who visited CUI in 2011. Over 150 UK alumni are currently serving across CUI’s campuses. Dr. Omer proposed a raft of collaborative initiatives with RGU: joint scientific and applied research initiatives; identification of mutual research groups to leverage global funding; faculty involvement in CUI’s flagship academic events; reciprocal researcher exchanges lasting six to twelve months to nurture young talent; cross-institutional engagement through the University’s six research centres; and academic mobility through HEC’s fully funded Faculty Exchange Program.
As the day’s proceedings concluded in high spirits, the mutual aspiration for a long-standing Scottish-Pakistani—particularly CUI-RGU—partnership stood affirmed. With the seeds of collaboration now sown, both RGU and CUI look forward to cultivating a fruitful and enduring academic alliance.
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German Diplomat Shares Insights on Governance and Education Opportunities at COMSATS University Islamabad
Students from diverse disciplines at COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) had the distinct opportunity to engage with a high-ranking German diplomat today, gaining valuable perspectives on governance, public policy, and pathways to higher education in Germany. Mr. Jan Gerald Krausser, the Head of Communications, Culture and Protocol at the German Embassy Islamabad, delivered a talk on governance, public policy, and pathways to higher education in Germany that sparked lively interaction among the attendees.
The session, attended by students from International Relations, Management Sciences, Economics, Media and Communications, and Meteorology departments, cantered on the German political system and offered a comparative lens against the Pakistani context. Mr. Krausser underscored the significant role of all segments of the workforce, particularly highlighting the dignity and importance of blue-collar and technically skilled workers in driving the German economy.
Mr. Krausser also guided students interested in pursuing education in Germany. He strongly recommended utilizing the resources of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which maintains an office in Islamabad. Additionally, he pointed out potential funding avenues through political foundations and individual universities.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Mr. Arif Awan, Senior Program Officer at CUI, who, highlighted the relevance of public policy across the various academic disciplines represented. Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., in his closing remarks, expressed and underscored the strong and cordial relationship between Pakistan and the Germany. Echoing Mr. Krausser's sentiment, Dr. Omer also stressed the importance of language proficiency for international education.
The session concluded with a group photograph, capturing the engaging interaction between the diplomat and the students. Later, Professor Dr. Sajid Qamar, the Rector of CUI, warmly received Mr. Krausser, expressing his appreciation for the visit. The Rector also conveyed CUI’s keen interest in potentially introducing German language instruction on campus.
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Business International Office
On February 18, 2025, CUI and the University of Regina (U of R), Canada, marked a significant milestone in their collaboration with the signing of the Student Exchange Program Agreement (SEPA). The event also featured a Symposium on Experiential Learning in Higher Education, fostering discussions on global education and future initiatives. The SEPA, designed to promote student exchange and mutual understanding, includes a five-year renewable term with an annual exchange quota of three undergraduate students on reciprocal basis. Both institutions also aim to enhance collaboration through joint research, faculty exchanges, and participation in academic events. Through this agreement, both universities look forward to strengthening their ties and furthering their contributions to global education and cross-cultural academic exchanges.The event brought together faculty members, students along with the International Office team, while virtual participants included the Acting Consul General of Pakistan in Vancouver, Directors of CUI Campuses, focal persons of the International Office, and Canadian alumni from various CUI campuses. Dr. Jeff Keshen, President and Vice-Chancellor, U of R and Mr. Haroon Chaudhry, Associate Vice-President (International), Chief International Officer & U of R Focal Person participated physically who travelled all the way from Canada to Pakistan for one for this purpose.
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CUI welcomed a delegation from the University of Suffolk, UK, on February 19, 2025, to explore academic collaborations, student exchanges, and research partnerships. The delegation included Dr. Felix Ngobigha, Senior Lecturer in Network Engineering, Mr. Chris Garrett, Associate Director – International; Ms. Jessica Garrity, Senior International Officer; and Mr. Zia ul Islam, In-Country Representative – Pakistan. The visit featured insightful discussions and lectures, including an online session by Dr. Ross Kemble, Associate Director, Leadership and Management Academy, titled "Employee Voices in the UK: Changes to Work, Post-Global Financial Crisis," and an engaging talk by Dr. Felix Ngobigha on "The Ecosystem of Computing and Opportunities in the UK." These sessions provided students and faculty with valuable global academic perspectives.
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Dr. Gurinder Pal Singh Josan, President of the Sikh Community USA accompanied by Ch. Tanveer Ahmed Dhot, CEO Shahzar Textile Mills (Pvt) LTD. and Mr. Shahid Shabbir, Pakistani historian, researcher and journalist visited CUI on Tuesday the 25th of February, 2025. The visiting delegation was warmly welcomed by Hafiz Abdul Rehman, Senior Libarian along with Mr. Abbas Baloch, SPO and Mr. Rafaqat Ali Uppal from the International Office.
Dr. Gurinder visited CUI with the intention of contributing books on the history of Punjab for the establishment of a specialized "History of Punjab" corner within the Junaid Zaidi (JZ) Library. He is engaged in promoting Punjabi culture globally through various initiatives. Notably, he had previously visited CUI and orchestrated a well-received cultural event at the JZ Library, where he generously donated books on Punjab's history for the benefit of CUI community.
During the meeting, the importance and value of understanding history and culture, particularly in relation to Punjab's enriched culture, history, and traditions, were emphasized. It was highlighted that gaining this knowledge is crucial for preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Punjab.
Moreover, it was also discussed how CUI students and faculty members can explore opportunities for collaborative partnerships for study, mobility and research in US institutions. This aims to promote collaborative work and enhance intercultural understanding.
Afterward, all the meeting participants visited dedicated “History of Punjab” corner in the basement of JZ library. Dr. Gurinder praised the establishment of corner and provided overview about his own written books on Punjab history and culture.
The visit ended with the group photo and a vote of thanks.
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