In a concerted effort to advance educational technology and with the aim to contribute and support the establishment of the Global EdTECH Hub by DFID and the World Bank, the INIT and the UNESCO Chair in ICT4D conducted a series of field visits to rural schools in Tharparkar on February 2-3, 2020. These visits aimed to assess the current educational landscape and gather crucial insights from some of the most marginalized communities in rural Sindh.
During the two-day visit, a total of eight schools were meticulously selected to represent a diverse cross-section of the region's educational institutions. The team conducted in-depth interviews with 15 teachers and 60 students, aiming to capture a comprehensive picture of the challenges and opportunities present in these rural settings. The participating schools spanned different educational levels and included both primary and secondary institutions.
The interviews with teachers focused on understanding their experiences and the obstacles they face in delivering quality education. Key discussion points included the availability and utilization of educational technology, the level of training and support teachers receive, and their insights into how technology could be better integrated into their teaching practices. Teachers shared valuable feedback on the infrastructural constraints, such as unreliable electricity and limited internet connectivity, which hinder the effective use of technology in classrooms.
Students, representing a wide age range, provided a firsthand account of their learning environments and their interactions with existing educational tools. They discussed their aspirations, the difficulties they encounter in accessing digital resources, and their overall enthusiasm towards technology-enhanced learning. These conversations shed light on the digital divide that affects students in marginalized communities and highlighted the need for tailored interventions to bridge this gap.
The findings from these field visits are instrumental in enabling INIT and the UNESCO Chair in ICT4D to offer informed guidance and consultation to implementation partners involved in the Global EdTECH Hub project. By understanding the specific needs and conditions of rural schools in Tharparkar, INIT and UNESCO can help shape strategies that ensure the EdTECH solutions are relevant, sustainable, and impactful. This initiative aims to not only enhance the quality of education in rural Sindh but also to serve as a model for similar interventions in other underserved regions globally.
The insights gained from these field visits will contribute to the development of customized training programs for teachers, the deployment of appropriate technological tools, and the creation of supportive infrastructures that can sustain these innovations. The collaboration with DFID and the World Bank underscores the commitment to fostering inclusive education through technology, ensuring that no child is left behind in the digital age.
In summary, the field visits to rural schools in Tharparkar by INIT and the UNESCO Chair in ICT4D mark a significant step towards realizing the vision of the Global EdTECH Hub. By directly engaging with educators and students, this initiative is poised to deliver transformative educational experiences and bridge the educational divide for marginalized communities.
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Malaysian Deputy Head Highlights Strong Bilateral Ties and Scholarships at COMSATS University Islamabad
Islamabad, Pakistan – May 14, 2025 – COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) hosted Malaysian Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Mohd Syafik Firdaus Bin Hasbullah, for a talk on Malaysia-Pakistan relations and Malaysian scholarship opportunities. Attended by students and faculty, the session underscored the enduring friendship between the nations.
Mr. Hasbullah provided an overview of Malaysia, its good governance concept, and its role in ASEAN. He emphasized the long-standing, excellent bilateral ties since 1957 and highlighted economic and trade relations, including Pakistan’s potential as a Halal hub. He also detailed Malaysian government scholarships like the MTCP for Pakistani students and showcased Malaysia’s tourism sector. The Deputy Head of Mission congratulated Pakistan on the restoration of peace.
Head of CUI’s International Office, Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., emphasized the need for peace and CUI’s existing links with Malaysian universities, including over 100 Malaysian alumni at CUI and MoUs with Tun Hussein Onn University and an upcoming one with INTI Malaysia. He sought collaboration with top Malaysian universities.
Following the talk and a group photo, a meeting with Malaysian alumni took place, and Incharge Campus Prof. Dr. Sohail Asghar discussed increased PhD opportunities, research collaboration, student exchange programs, and the possibility of CUI establishing a campus in Malaysia. A memento was presented, and the event concluded with a lunch fostering cultural exchange.
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COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) had the privilege of hosting Dr. Abol Fazl Vahedi, the Iranian Deputy Minister for Science, Research, and Technology, alongside Mr. Mohammad Ghavidel, the International Advisor on April 17, 2025. The guests were accompanied by Mr. Irfan Haye, Additional Director/Incharge of Programs, and Mr. Farhan Ansari, Deputy Director of Programs at the COMSATS Secretariat. The primary aim of the Deputy Minister's visit was to explore potential avenues for collaboration between CUI and Iran's higher education sector, marking a significant step towards strengthening mutual academic relations.
Upon their arrival, a warm welcome was extended by Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., Head of the International Office, and his team. The delegates were given a comprehensive tour of CUI’s renowned Junaid Zaidi Library.
Subsequently, a productive meeting was held between the Iranian delegates and senior CUI officials including Prof. Dr. Shams ul Qamar, Registrar; Prof. Dr. Sajjad A. Madani, Controller of Examinations; Prof. Dr. Shahzad A. Malik, Dean, Faculty of Engineering; and Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., Head of the International Office.
The discussions in the meeting primarily centered around the potential for enhancing academic cooperation between CUI and Iranian universities. Dr. Omer presented an in-depth overview of CUI, emphasizing the university's existing collaborations with Iran and outlining several potential areas for further academic engagements with Iranian institutions. CUI's commitment to research excellence was also highlighted in the presentation. The Registrar and the Controller of Examinations explained about the university's growing number of research publications, many of which have been featured in high-impact factor journals underscoring CUI's strong capacity to contribute meaningfully to international research initiatives.
Dr. Vahedi expressed a keen interest in deepening collaboration between CUI and Iranian universities, particularly through joint research initiatives and student exchange programs. He extended a formal invitation to CUI faculty to visit Iranian universities, further paving the way for long-term partnerships that will benefit both academic communities. The interaction set the stage for future initiatives that will not only strengthen ties between CUI and Iranian educational institutions but also contribute to broader regional cooperation in science, research, and technology.
At the conclusion of the meeting the delegates were presented with CUI mementos. The visiting delegates were highly appreciative of CUI's modern infrastructure and the high standards of its academic and research facilities. They expressed their gratitude for the hospitality extended by the university during their visit.
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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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