TAXILA: An auto-show was held at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) on Thursday which included a large collection of vintage and classic cars as well as modified cars, bikes, jeeps and other interesting vehicles. The event marked the launch of the Automotive Engineering Technology Programme, which makes the university the first in the province to introduce an undergraduate program in this field.

The event was organised by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Taxila University chapter.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of the undergraduate programme, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar said that after NED University Karachi, UET Taxila is the only university which has launched the program. He said the automobile sector makes up 4pc of the GDP. He said this sector attracts Rs92 billion worth of investments to the country, providing opportunities for engineers.

The university has launched this programme keeping in view the growing demand for engineers in this sector, he added.

The vice chancellor said the university has transformed from a conventional engineering university to an outcome and need-based educational research centre and that many unconventional programs at all levels and in all fields have been launched to meet the growing demand for engineers.

He said the university has introduced BSc engineering in cyber crime technology, automotive technology and PhD in structure engineering for the first time in the country.

He said Rs2 billion has been allocated for the provision of different facilities at the university and Rs1 billion for human development.

He added that Rs110 million has been spent on the upgrading of laboratories and equipping them with the latest and state-of-the-art testing equipment.

He said the university has increased seats for post-graduate students and increased scholarships to Rs15,000 and Rs60,000 for full time Ms and PhD students respectively.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2017