LAHORE: The Geographical Information System (GIS) Centre of the Punjab University College of Information Technology (PUCIT) arranged the inaugural GIS Alumni Dinner at the PUCIT New Campus Lawns. More than 250 GIS professionals, academics, alumni, and students attended the dinner. Prof. Zaffar Mueen Nasar, PU Vice Chancellor, was the chief guest. The President and Vice President of PUASA, members of the Syndicate and Senate, and eminent professionals from the GIS industry participated in the event. Some of the notable alumni working remote sending and GIS experts in some of the leading organizations of Pakistan such as NESPAK, Forestry department, NARC, and Urban Unit shared their memories at the GIS Center, their industrial experiences, and growth to the top. One of the founding teachers at the Center, Mr. Musbahar Hussain, also joined the occasion and shared with the audience his professional journey in the field of GIS and gave recommendations for the future growth of the GIS Center. He informed the house that the Center was the first of its kind in Pakistan.
Principal PUCIT, Dr. Syed Mansoor Sawar, highlighted the various milestones in the journey of the Center since its establishment in 2001.
He informed the audience that the Center was moved to PUCIT in 2004 and only seven students registered in the evening program of MSc GIS, out of which only four graduated. He said that since 2006, when he took over as Principal PUCIT, around 100 students have been admitted to the morning and evening programs every year and the Center has so far produced over 1000 graduates. He said that the college started MPhil Remote Sensing and GIS program in 2010 and so far 40 students have graduated with this degree. He further said that a purpose-built GIS Center building in the PUCIT New Campus was competed in 2012. Finally, he said, that the college plans to modernize the MSc GIS and MPhil Remote Sensing & GIS curricula, as well as start new degree programs in the related disciplines including PhD in Remote Sensing and GIS.
Dr. Zafar Mueen Nassar appreciated the holding of the event and for attracting hundreds of GIS professionals at a single forum.
He said that the GIS Center alumni could play a vital role in the professional development of the Center and motivated the audience to contribute towards the growth of the Centre through professional and financial contributions. He lauded efforts of the administration to modernize PUCIT and GIS Center. At the end, Mr. Muhammad Hamid Ch., Coordinator GIS Center, thanked the Vice Chancellor, alumni, guests, teachers, and students.
Published in Daily Times, November 19th 2017.