By Prof. Dr. Abdul Waheed Bhutto
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ)
It is with profound sorrow and deep sadness that I learned about the demise of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasim, former Principal of Dawood College of Engineering and Technology (DCET) and the first Vice Chancellor following its transformation into a degree-awarding institution. According to family sources, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasim passed away in Karachi on Friday, 15 May 2026.
His passing is an irreparable loss not only for Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, but also for the entire engineering education community of Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasim was an outstanding educationist, visionary administrator, engineer, and institution builder. He devoted his life to education, professional excellence, and the development of engineering institutions in Pakistan. Those who worked with him or studied under his leadership will always remember his sincerity, discipline, wisdom, and commitment to educational excellence.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasim graduated from the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore in 1972 with two gold medals, reflecting his brilliant academic performance. After serving briefly as a lecturer at UET Lahore, he went to the United Kingdom in 1973 for higher studies and professional work. He worked at Sheffield Hallam University for nearly seven years while pursuing his PhD. His research work was associated with projects of the British Steel Corporation, which gave him valuable industrial and research experience.
After returning to Pakistan in 1980, he joined Pakistan Steel Mills, where he served for almost two decades. His professional experience in industry further strengthened his practical understanding of engineering, management, and organizational development.
Later, he joined academia and became Principal of Dawood College of Engineering and Technology in January 2007. This period proved to be one of the most historic phases in the institution’s journey. Through his dynamic leadership and untiring efforts, DCET was elevated by the Federal Government to the status of a degree-awarding institution through a Presidential Ordinance in October 2007.
This transformation was not a routine administrative change, it was a turning point in the history of the institution. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasim played a central role in shaping the future of the university. During his tenure, the first Senate meeting was convened, establishing the basis for institutional governance, autonomy, and academic development.
He also initiated several infrastructure development projects and worked diligently for the improvement of laboratories, classrooms, transportation facilities, and the overall academic environment. During his tenure, new academic blocks were constructed, the auditorium was renovated, and a standby power generator was procured to strengthen institutional infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted academic and administrative operations. The procurement of university buses significantly facilitated transportation for students and staff. His vision and efforts were consistently directed toward strengthening the institution and creating a sustainable foundation for future generations.
We were fortunate to witness this remarkable transition during our academic years from 2006 to 2010. As students, we observed his dedication, hard work, and deep concern for the institution. He carried the future of DCET in his thoughts at all times. His efforts were tireless, and his commitment to institutional development was extraordinary.
Personally, I learned a great deal from him. As one of his students and later a colleague, I had the privilege of observing his leadership closely. His disciplined approach, administrative wisdom, and commitment to merit and quality education left a lasting impact on my academic and professional journey.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasim was a dignified and humble personality. He believed in honesty, integrity, and hard work. He was fearless in decision-making and sincere in his responsibilities. Despite holding high positions, he remained approachable and caring toward students, faculty members, and staff.
After his services at DCET and DUET, he joined Institute of Southern Punjab as Dean of Electrical Engineering and Applied Technology in 2012, where he continued contributing to higher education and academic leadership.
Today, DUET stands as a respected engineering university, and much of its foundation was laid during the transformative leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasim. His services to education, institution-building, and student development will always be remembered with profound respect and gratitude.
Indeed, he was one of the shining pillars of DUET’s history — a visionary leader, compassionate teacher, and honest administrator whose contributions will continue to inspire generations to come.
May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, grant him the highest place in Jannat-ul-Firdous, and bless his family, friends, colleagues, students, and admirers with patience and strength during this difficult time.