Staff Reporter
Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology in a meeting held Wednesday expressed its concern regarding the lowering of the COMSATS University’s world ranking.
Chaired by Senator Sardar Muhammad Shafiq Tareen, the committee was briefed in detail on functions and working of COMSATS University, its campuses and staff under construction Quetta Campus.
Deliberating over the functions of the University the Committee was informed of the seven campuses across Pakistan.
Members were of the view that the University must establish campuses in rural settings so that students in those areas may benefit as well.
Committee recommended that provincial quotas may be implemented in COMSATS and that students from Balochistan may be given special quotas in admissions.
Regarding staff promotions, the committee expressed its reservations regarding delay by the Selection Board and directed to submit the reasons.
Discussing the various projects of the university, the committee stressed the need for COMSATS University to focus on sustainable energy projects. Reviewing business development initiatives, the committee was informed that 129 Companies have been enrolled at the Student Start Up Business Centre to-date.
Regarding research projects, it was known that funding is carried out through different funding agencies.
For the FY 2020-21 a total of 11 projects worth PKR 91.75 million have been approved. The university won the 3G Research Excellence Award 2018 and 2019.
Discussing recruitment and placements, the committee directed the COMSATS University to share its recruitment policy with the committee. It also stressed the need for ensuring that Balochistan is included in the divisible pool.
