Located at the center of Punjab’s Industrial Golden Triangle, the University of Gujrat can play a vital role in supporting local industries and addressing the challenges faced by the business sector. Through its research services and applied outcomes, the university can contribute positively to the national economy and help save valuable foreign exchange. This was emphasized during a joint meeting held between the University of Gujrat, the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), and the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Earlier, a delegation from the Pakistan Science Foundation visited the University of Gujrat, appreciated the ongoing research activities, and assured its full support. The PSF also invited various departments of the university to collaborate in several projects aimed at promoting science and technology. Later, under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zahoor ul Haq, the PSF delegation visited the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and participated in an important meeting focusing on issues and solutions related to local industries.
The PSF delegation, led by Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akmal, included Director R&D Dr. Mirza Habib Wali and others. The Chamber of Commerce was represented by its President Ahmad Hasan, along with former presidents Haji Nasir Rehmani, Adnan Iqbal Makki, executive members, and representatives of various industries.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zahoor ul Haq attended the meeting along with Registrar Muhammad Naeem Butt, Dean Prof. Dr. Faisal Mahmood Mirza, Director ORIC Dr. Adil Rasheed, Director R&C Dr. Muhammad Amro Raih, Director IT Zahid Raza, Director UOG Mandi Bahauddin Campus Dr. Zaki-uz-Zaman, and others.
Prof. Dr. Zahoor ul Haq stated that universities are key institutions of scientific research. The University of Gujrat, by applying its valuable research outcomes, can provide significant services to help resolve the issues faced by local industries. The university welcomes all initiatives and progress proposed by the Gujrat Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Through enhanced interaction, the Chamber can help students and faculty by encouraging their research and innovative efforts, while also finding solutions to its own industry-related challenges.
He added that, based on his proposal, a dedicated chamber has already been allocated for the President of the GtCCI at the university’s Business Incubation Center. This will allow him to meet students and faculty directly, motivate them towards entrepreneurship, and support their ideas. Moreover, members of the Chamber will be included in various university committees. In partnership with the Chamber, the university will develop a comprehensive strategic plan for the next four years to strengthen mutual collaboration and ensure that both institutions become beneficial for each other. The Chamber can also provide internship opportunities across various industries to enhance students’ practical business understanding.
Prof. Dr. Zahoor ul Haq further said that the university is taking significant steps for the welfare of students. Out of 17,000 students at UOG, every fifth student has received a scholarship. During the past ten months, the university’s rules and regulations have been improved. This year, the university distributed scholarships worth 250 million rupees among students. Orphan, special, and deserving students are studying free of cost.
PSF Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akmal said that PSF has been rendering excellent services for the promotion of science and technology, aligning its strategy with the needs of the modern era. PSF aims to establish a science club in every district to encourage innovation and invention among students. Numerous science projects across Pakistan are being successfully supported under PSF. Strengthening climate change and energy sectors is crucial for the country, as energy is the backbone of industrial development. PSF intends to appoint an additional industry supervisor—alongside university supervisors—for MS and PhD research to ensure that research aligns with industrial needs.
Dr. Mirza Habib Wali said that PSF seeks to further strengthen the linkages between universities and industries for the development of local industries. Through the University–Industry Linkages Program, higher education can be made more beneficial for the national economy. Representatives from various industrial and trade chambers can join PSF’s Technical Committee and Project Award Committee to better assess the value of proposed projects. Industry-related problems should be brought to the notice of PSF so that funding may be provided for their solutions. Additionally, different chambers across the country can offer industrial scholarships to attract researchers toward solving industrial issues. A consortium of institutions may also be formed to resolve complex industrial challenges more effectively.
President GtCCI Ahmad Hasan said that Gujrat has earned a prominent position in Pakistan due to its industrial and commercial activities. The ceramics, electric fan, furniture, and other industries based here fulfill industrial needs across the country. There is a pressing need for practical measures to solve various issues faced by the industry. The industrial sector is currently struggling with an energy crisis. The university can play a key role in improving alternative energy solutions. It can also contribute by providing design support for the pottery industry, establishing overseas sales points for furniture exports, and setting up testing laboratories to improve food quality in the food industry. By organizing job fairs, the university can help industries recruit skilled and hardworking workers. Internship opportunities are essential for students to gain practical experience. At the end of the meeting, representatives of the local industry discussed their problems in detail, so that the representatives of the university and the Pakistan Science Foundation could provide guidance for their resolution.