January 4, 2006	Wednesday	Zilhaj 3, 1426

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 3: Pakistan has sought help from Austria to set up a world class engineering university in the country. It was discussed on Tuesday during a meeting between a six member delegation from Austria led by Prof Elizabeth Gehrer, Minister for Science & Education, and Dr Attaur Rahman, Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC).

They also discussed in detail the mutual academic cooperation, specifically in the higher education sector of Pakistan.

Prof Atta said Pakistan was interested in seeking cooperation of Austria in developing a world level engineering and technology university.

It was suggested that the Austrian experts should be engaged to develop a document with the assistance of Pakistani experts aimed at evolving a plan for a world class engineering and technology university in Pakistan.

The Austrian experts should be available as senior faculty members in the proposed university for up to ten years to develop and fulfil the academic requirements to make this institution of international standard.

Another point discussed with the delegation was to expand the Ph.D programmes being initiated by the HEC for faculty development of the universities of Pakistan.

For the purpose it has been estimated that at least 100 students would be sent annually to the top class Austrian Universities from Pakistan for MS and Ph.D studies in engineering, science, technology, social sciences, economics and business administration etc.

Dr Attaur Rahman briefed the delegation about the initiatives being undertaken by the Higher Education Commission to develop and promote the higher education sector of Pakistan through the programs being implemented by the Higher Education Commission to improve the infrastructure and faculty development of the universities and institutions of higher learning of the country.

The delegation praised the efforts being made by the HEC and offered full cooperation from the Austrian government to bring the institutions of higher learning in par with international standards.

It was also agreed to initiate a major post-doctoral training programme as well as linkage programme with top university departments in Austria with those in the country.