Science Secretary visits COMSATS, lauds digital transformation initiatives
ISLAMABAD: Federal Secretary for Science and Technology, Mr. Shahid Baloch, visited COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) campus on Tuesday, where he was received by Rector Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar along with senior officials and university management.
During the visit, the rector briefed the secretary on the university’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives aimed at aligning CUI with modern technological demands. These include SmartSelect, CUOnline, Online Degree Verification, and the Smart Thesis Management System.
Prof. Qamar highlighted that these initiatives have resulted in significant efficiency gains, including paper savings equivalent to approximately 2,000 trees and projected financial savings of up to PKR 50 million. Over the past three months, the university has saved more than 8,400 staff hours and eliminated processing delays equivalent to over 18,000 days of traditional mail handling.
He further shared that more than 1,500 cases of appointments and promotions were processed entirely through a paperless and transparent system during the 40th Selection Board meeting.
The rector emphasized that CUI is transitioning into an AI-enabled institution by integrating artificial intelligence across governance, academic, and research systems. He also sought the ministry’s support in addressing governance and infrastructure-related challenges.
Mr. Shahid Baloch appreciated the university’s efforts and assured full support for expanding CUI’s presence in Balochistan and Sindh. He also endorsed the proposal for establishing a UNESCO Category II Centre for Artificial Intelligence and a UNESCO STEM Chair at the Islamabad campus.
The secretary stressed the need for policy reforms to promote a startup ecosystem in Pakistan and called for greater focus on commercialization of research and conversion of patents into foreign direct investment. Financial challenges related to Worker Welfare Fund scholars were also discussed during the meeting.
Later, the secretary visited the CUI Central Library and Art Gallery, where he appreciated the displayed artwork and recorded his remarks in the Distinguished Visitors’ Book.
The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing higher education, innovation, and digital transformation in Pakistan. Syed Naveed Jamal
