ISLAMABAD: The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has started the process of sending books to its over 0.7 million enrolled students from Matric to PhD for the autumn, 2017 semester. Timely mailing of course books to students was a big challenge especially with the increasing number of enrolment. According to the Mailing Department, the process has been undertaken on fast-track basis so as to complete it within the stipulated time-frame, set by Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui. The VC has directed the department to expedite the process to give sufficient time to the students to submit their course-assignments. In the first phase, books were being dispatched to 40,000 students of Matric programme and 50,000 students of FA. This process will be completed within next 10 days. The books are being sent along with allied material of teachers’ training, BA and postgraduate programmes. On the directives of the vice chancellor, a new computerisd tracking system has been introduced, facilitating its thousands of students to check books’ mailing status. The new computerised tracking system has recently been developed to enable students to enter his/her roll number and registration number to track the mailing package. The relevant staff of the department has also been advised to ensure accuracy in the mailing system to avoid any inconvenience at the students’ level. In case of delay in receipt of books, students have been advised to contact the university’s helpline: 051-111-112-468. They can also contact on email address: mailing@aiou.edu.pk. Published in Daily Times, October 21st 2017.