LAHORE – Information Technology University (ITU) Vice Chancellor Dr Umar Saif on Wednesday said that the ITU was the first institution of Pakistan, which had launched issuing ranking of universities purely based on quality research output according to the international standards.
The establishment of world class Scientometrics Lab at the ITU would promote healthy competition among the higher education institutions in Pakistan in research field, he said while addressing a press conference here at the Arfa Software Technology Park.
The first ever Quality Research Rankings (QRR) of universities was also launched on the occasion. Head of the lab Dr Saeedul Hassan, ITU Registrar Zaheer Sarwar and other experts also were present. Replying to a question, Dr Saif said the ranking was made without any prejudice and in accordance with the objectives set for the SLAB on the basis of the empirical data collected and analysed. He said this was the first ever research ranking in Pakistan.
According to ITU-QRR rankings, Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad topped the overall ranking list issued by SLAB. The QAU was followed by COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, National University of Sciences and Technology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), University of the Karachi, University of Engineering & Technology, Lahore, and Government College University, Lahore.
The ITU-QRR also issued rankings of specialised institutions of Pakistan. In specialised category, Agha Khan University topped followed by Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Lahore University of Management Sciences, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Pakistan, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, NED University of Engineering and Technology Pakistan, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, University of Engineering and Technology Taxila, NWFP Agricultural University, and University of Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi.
ITU’s Scientometrics Lab head Dr Saeedul Hassan stated that ranking is a first step that will go a long way to start a culture of quality research in Pakistan. The detailed key factors and raking details can be accessed through its website http://rankings.itu.edu.pk/.