GUJRAT: The Punjab University vice chancellor has constituted a committee to prepare the feasibility of the varsity sub-campus to be set up at Daska town of Sialkot district, including the cost to be incurred on the project.

The committee has also been tasked to design the courses to be offered at the PU’s Daska sub campus.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had issued the directions for the establishment of the Daska sub campus on the recommendation of the PML-N MNA from the area, Ms Nosheen Iftikhar, around a couple of years ago.

The project was formally approved by the caretaker Punjab cabinet in November 2023.

The committee constituted by the PU vice chancellor is headed by Prof Dr Rafiullah Khan, who is director of the Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, whereas varsity’s planning and development (P&D) director, treasurer, chief engineer, and P&D assistant registrar are among the members.

The committee also includes Prof. Dr. Muhammad Usman Awan, Director of the Institute of Quality & Technology Management; Prof. Dr. Faheem Aftab from the Institute of Botany.

Official sources say that the committee had so far paid two visits to Daska to inspect the proposed sites for the sub-campus.

The sources says that earlier the PM office had issued a directive to include the project in the Annual Development Program (ADP) for 2022-23.

The committee has also been tasked with drafting business plans, and suggesting measures for the financial sustainability of the sub-campus.

The committee’s mandate also includes exploration of the local demand for academic programmes and developing a detailed project proposal (PC-I), including an endowment fund to ensure the sub-campus’ sustainability.

Daska town is known for manufacturing of agricultural instruments, and has long been a hub of industrial activity.

Despite its economic significance, the region lacks adequate higher education facilities, forcing the local students to travel to Gujrat or Sialkot for further studies.

There is no public sector university for male students in Sialkot district, which makes this project more significant.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2024