The Department of Civil Engineering organized a CPD seminar on “Contemporary Strategies for the Restoration and Preservation of National Heritage” on February 20, 2025. The HoD of Civil Engineering, CUI Wah Campus, welcomed the guest speaker Prof. Dr. Anwar Khitab who serves as the Dean and HoD of the Civil Engineering Department at Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Mirpur, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. Dr. Khitab holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from INSA Toulouse - Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Toulouse, France, which he completed in 2005. He has authored over 139 publications in the field.

The guest speaker presented the restoration work done on significant heritage sites in Pakistan, focusing on the materials used in their construction and evaluating their structural strength. His study covered key historical landmarks, including Rohtas Fort in Jehlum, Baghsar Fort and Ramkot Fort in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and the Katas Raj Temple. By examining the composition of building materials such as stone, brick, and mortar, he aimed to understand their durability and preservation needs. Additionally, various techniques, including material testing and structural analysis, were employed to determine the strength of these historical structures, ensuring their long-term conservation and resilience against environmental and human-induced damage.

Students actively participated by asking the guest speaker questions, leading to an engaging discussion. At the end of the session, the Chairman, Civil Engineering Department, Dr. Adnan Nawaz presented a souvenir to the guest speaker as a token of appreciation with a vote of thanks.