ISLAMABAD: All Pakistan Inter-University competition titled “ASCII-16” kicked-off here on Saturday at the Faisal Masjid campus of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI). As many as 2000 students hailing from 57 universities across the country showcased their talent in more than 30 competitions including e-camping, app development, quizzes, seminars, photography, poetry recitation and various other activities are part of the event (ASCII-16) organized by the department of computer science of the varsity. “Advancement in the field of technology is a gateway to progress” said Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Dr. Ismail Shah who was the chief guest of the event. He added that setting science and technology as top priority is a prerequisite for making a place among the ranks of developed and advanced nations. He further stated that PTA was mulling over holding a national level competition of technology which will be based on the theme “use of technology for disable persons”, saying that the authority has dedicated this year to the impaired people. Dr. Ismail Shah told that PTA was also striving for linkage with academia in fields of cloud computing and other technologies. Dr. Muhammad Bashir Khan, the varsity Acting President said that nations which don’t change according to the requirements of time remain too far from the destination of prosperity and success.