Innovative Approach:
How Engineering Universities in Pakistan challenge the Assumption?

on 23/10/2023

By using novel strategies, engineering universities in Pakistan are questioning the presumptions associated with engineering education. Pakistani engineering universities are progressively implementing project-based learning techniques. Students are urged to focus on practical projects rather than merely attending academic lectures. This strategy encourages collaboration, teamwork, and the application of information in real-world situations. It helps students comprehend engineering ideas more thoroughly and gets them ready for difficulties in the workplace. Engineering institutions in Pakistan are collaborating with businesses because they understand how important industry-academia collaboration is. These partnerships give students access to research projects, internships, and professional industry mentoring. Universities bridge the gap between academic study and real-world application by collaborating closely with businesses to make sure their curriculum is current and meets business demands. To promote an innovative and entrepreneurial culture, engineering institutions are establishing centers for entrepreneurship and innovation. These facilities offer students the tools, support, and cash they need to develop their ideas into marketable goods or services. Universities inspire students to go outside of conventional career pathways and become creating employment rather than seekers of employment by fostering an entrepreneurial attitude.
Pakistani engineering schools understand the value of both technical knowledge and soft skills. They are embracing training courses and programmes that emphasise critical thinking, communication, leadership, and problem-solving. Universities educate students to become well-rounded engineers who can work well in teams, adapt to shifting conditions, and succeed in the workplace. Engineering universities in Pakistan are adapting their curricula to include emerging technologies in order to stay up with technological development. In fields including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), robots, and renewable energy, they are providing courses and research possibilities. Universities make sure they remain at the forefront of technological innovation by providing students with knowledge and skills in these cutting-edge sectors. Engineering colleges are actively involved in research that is driven by industry. In order to tackle real-world problems and discover creative solutions, they are working on research initiatives with businesses. In addition to advancing knowledge, this study offers students meaningful possibilities for experiential learning. Pakistani engineering universities are collaborating and forming alliances with respected foreign universities. Exchanges between students and teachers, team research initiatives, and information sharing are made possible by these connections. Universities may introduce their students to other viewpoints, international best practices, and chances for international research through participating in international collaborations.
These cutting-edge methods cast doubt on the notion that engineering education is just concerned with theoretical ideas and memorization. Engineering universities across the country are developing a culture of invention, creativity, and implementation by implementing these practices, to make sure their graduates are well-equipped for the difficulties facing the contemporary engineering sector.
In the context of the cutting-edge strategies used by engineering institutes in Pakistan, the concept of patent writing is particularly pertinent and suitable. Patents are significant resources that may be commercialized to boost the economy. Engineering colleges in Pakistan foster an innovative and entrepreneurial culture by pushing students to file patents. By founding their own businesses, licensing their technology to established corporations, or looking for investment money, students have a legal framework within which to profit from their ideas. By using this strategy, an ecosystem is fostered that encourages the conversion of concepts into usable goods or services. Patents support both economic expansion and technical innovation. When engineering colleges in Pakistan encourage patent drafting, they help to create an atmosphere that is favorable to creativity and the development of intellectual property. When used and commercialized, these patents have the potential to create new industries, jobs, and economic success. Universities play a critical role in advancing technology and strengthening the national economy by stressing the value of patents.
Writing patents is very advantageous and acceptable in the context of the cutting-edge strategies used by Pakistani engineering institutes. It develops industrial relevance, safeguards intellectual property, supports entrepreneurship and innovation, advances research and development, fosters cooperation and knowledge sharing, advances technical progress, and boosts the economy. Universities encourage a culture of creativity and commercialization by encouraging students and researchers to file patents, giving them the power to use their ideas for both personal and public gain.
Based on the entire conversation, it is clear that technological incubation centers are desperately needed to encourage creative thinking and execution in Pakistan’s engineering institutes. Technical incubation facilities offer a special setting and setting for fostering innovation. They enable students and researchers in turning their ideas into workable goods or services by providing resources, infrastructure, and mentorship. These facilities provide an environment that promotes innovation, experimentation, and problem-solving, which helps people come up with fresh answers to everyday problems. Technical incubation facilities are essential for promoting entrepreneurial ideas. They help budding entrepreneurs launch their own businesses based on their creative ideas by offering advice, coaching, access to networks, and financial options. These resources help entrepreneurs negotiate the challenges of beginning and expanding a business by providing invaluable assistance in areas like business planning, market research, legal support, and marketing tactics.
Strong connections between academics and industry are facilitated via technical incubation centers. They build relationships with regional businesses, corporate partners, and investors to promote cooperation and information sharing. Startups and innovators may access industry knowledge through these connections, learn about the market, and get input on their concepts. The odds of successful commercialization and widespread use of cutting-edge innovations are increased by incubation centers since they bridge the divide between academics and industries. For Pakistan’s engineering institutions to foster creative thinking and implementation, technical incubation centers are essential. These centers offer the tools that students and researchers need to convert their ideas into profitable companies, including the infrastructure, mentorship, industry connections, chances for skill development, platforms for cooperation, and access to resources. The expansion of the startup ecosystem, industry-academia collaboration, and general economic development are all facilitated by incubation centers through fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem and encouraging innovation.

Call for introducing economic, institutional reforms

on 23/10/2023

The Progressive Group of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged the government to make the recently adopted IMF program final by introducing economic and institutional reforms in the country.
The Progressive Group further said that under this package, a digital one-window industry setting-up app should be introduced to facilitate the establishment of industries in the country. This app should also be linked to the Federal Board of Revenue, Customs, WAPDA, Banks, Social Security, Environment, Labour and all other concerned departments to obtain the necessary permits and subsequently create an investor-friendly and convenient environment for the smooth running of the industry.
Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer, the central leader of the Progressive Group and a member of the Executive Committee of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in a statement that measures should be taken on a war footing basis to increase domestic exports, in which the availability of export raw materials would be made easy and guaranteed. Exporters should also be awarded national hero status, establishing criminal cases against govt officials harassing exporters and ensuring the appointment of commercial attachés worldwide on merit and linking their promotion to their performance. He added that steps should also be taken to increase export of Made in Pakistan value-added products on a war footing.

IEEE International Conference on
Communication 2023

on 23/10/2023

IEEE Communication Society organizes “Chapter Management and Succession Preparation” training
Dr. Umair Ahmed Korai, Assistant Professor at the Department of Telecommunication Engineering, Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro Pakistan, was invited by IEEE Communication Society (ComSoc) to deliver a training on “Chapter Management and Succession Preparation” at IEEE International Conference on Communication 2023 (ICC’23).
This conference took place at La Nuvola Convention Center, Rome, Italy. Since he has recruited more than 220 members in IEEE ComSoc Karachi Chapter, therefore, the ComSoc officials asked him to share what activities he has performed in the chapter for boosting the membership development.
He also attended different technical sessions of the IEEE ICC’23 conference. During the conference, he networked with top class researchers and exchanged visiting cards for possible future collaborations. He also met and congratulated Prof. Robert Schober, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany, for being elected as IEEE ComSoc President for the year 2024.
Dr. Umair made a presentation on the year 2022-23 IEEE activities took place in different universities of Pakistan. He especially mentioned International Multi-Topic ICT Conference 2023 (IMTIC’23), IEEE Day 2021, IEEE Day 2022, Social events, membership drives, Industrial Visits, hands-on workshop on internet of things, visit to SoS village Jamshoro and many others.

Provision of “free electricity” is not possible: KE

on 23/10/2023

In response to reports about power situation in Karachi and adjoining areas, KE maintains that there the loadshed plan is the same as announced and implemented in March 2023.
The company conducts periodic assessments of its feeders for losses and recoveries which becomes the basis of the loadshed plan. As of now, over 70% of KE’s network receives constant power supply. The remainders are areas where electricity is stolen and bills against actual consumption remain unpaid, yet the company continues to supply power to these regions for 14 hours a day. Of course, the company does not operate in a vacuum and amid the current macroeconomic conditions and expensive fuel, provision of “free electricity” is not possible where recoveries are low, and losses remain on the higher side. KE also regularly organizes customer facilitation and recovery camps in Karachi to facilitate customers. When the recovery profile of an area improves, power supply gets better in parallel. It is also pertinent to mention that cost of electricity for consumers is set by the Government of Pakistan under the uniform tariff policy which is applicable across the country.
The loadshed and maintenance shutdowns were suspended during the Eid days and consistent supply was ensured. The claim made through the public statement is factually incorrect and does not represent the truth. Engaging in a sensationalized debate to score points by creating a brouhaha based on improper facts and blurring on-ground realities is counterproductive and serves no one.

Jhal Magsi Gas project revived

on 23/10/2023

The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), the leading exploration and production state-owned company, has revived the Jhal Magsi Gas project. The state-of-the-art gas processing plant, with a daily capacity to produce 13.7 MMSCF process gas and 45 BBL/day condensate, will mitigate escalating energy needs of Pakistan. Besides the commercial operations, the company has underscored its dedication to transforming the lives of the local community in Jhal Magsi through a series of social welfare initiatives in the areas of education, health, water, and infrastructure. As part of its efforts to enhance healthcare facilities, the OGDCL has provided ambulances to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) in Jhal Magsi. Additionally, the OGDCL has installed a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, recognising the importance of clean drinking water. The company is actively contributing to the socioeconomic development of Jhal Magsi district by combining its commitment to meeting the country’s energy requirements with community-focused initiatives.