PESHAWAR, Dec 14: The Myongji University of Korea will provide technical assistance to the NWFP UET for setting up the “Pakistan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (PAIST)” on the pattern of Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST).

This was stated by the Myongi University’s Dean, External Affairs, Jong Gie Kim, in a meeting held here on Wednesday. The Korean delegates discussed a detailed plan with the UET to initially set up the Institute of Alternate Energy Resources, Institute of Bio-Engineering and Institute of Mines and Materials.

He said Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Attaur Rehman, during his recent visit to Korea, had discussed with the president of KIST the possibilities of establishing a university of science and technology on the pattern of the KIST. The aim was to promote continuous economic development and industrialisation of research programmes. On the proposal of Dr Atta, the Korean government decided to provide technical assistance to Pakistani government in this regard, he added.

“Unlike conventional universities, this institution will offer research-led teaching programmes and will directly involve experts from industries and produce professionals who will identify market needs and solve real life problems”, he added.

Director Finance and Planning Sarwar Khan, while briefing the audience, said the proposed university would be built in Jalozai where a 400-kanal piece of land had already been acquired for this purpose.

He said the work on this project would commence from July 2006 with the financial assistance of the federal government. The role of UET Peshawar would be to oversee construction and management of this project and to make it self sufficient entity in future.

Dean of Engineering Prof Dr Muhammad Mansoor Khan, Registrar Imtiaz Ahmad Khan Durrani and other senior faculty members and administrative staff were also present on the occasion. Prof Mansoor Khan presented university crest to the visiting team.