ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi visited Comsats University Islamabad (CUI) on Friday and assured the ministry’s support for improving the infrastructure and facilities.

The public-sector university has been facing rampant ad-hocism for years, however, a press release issued by Comsats after the minister’s visit stated that the minister expressed his satisfaction with academic and research excellence and directed for spearheading efforts for commercialisation of technologies developed in the university.

Comsats has seven campuses across the country with around 35,000 students.

It is relevant to note here the university has been facing ad-hocism for years and all key positions including the rector, registrar, controller, treasurer etc have been run through temporary arrangements.

Key positions including rector, registrar, controller and treasurer await regular appointments

Some faculty members Dawn spoke to, wishing not to be named, said that the majority of those who briefed the minister were those who held temporary charges and that the minister should look into the matter.

For the progress of the university, regular and merit-based appointments are imperative, they said.

Meanwhile, the press release issued by Comsats said that the minister appreciated the contribution of CUI towards women’s education and maintaining a high-quality campus environment.

The minister was quoted as saying that the institution being among the top-ranked universities in Pakistan must continue to make greater strides in education and research and should also consider opening campuses in the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh.

Acting Rector Comsats Professor Sajid Qamar briefed the minister on the challenges being faced by CUI.

The minister appreciated the overall campus environment and pledged the ministry’s support for improving the infrastructure and facilities.

Earlier, the minister also visited the Junaid Zaidi Central Library and interacted with students.

The minister appreciated the management for maintaining a conducive environment to inspire and nurture young minds.

Contrary to the minister’s expectations, the university has had no regular rector since July 2023, affecting decision-making and long-term planning.

Former rector Dr Mohammad Afzal stepped down in 2023 and then president Arif Alvi appointed Dean Dr Sajid Qamar as a temporary rector.

In September last year, a panel of three educationists were sent to the president’s office for an appointment against the post of rector.

After a lengthy process, President Asif Ali Zardari, who is the Comsats chancellor, approved the name of Dr Shahid Munir.

However, Dr Munir did not take charge, as he was appointed vice chancellor of the University of Engineering and Technology Lahore.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Science and Technology during its meeting held in February this year with MNA Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood in the chair had urged early appointment of the rector Comsats.

However, the ministry and search committee have yet to complete their work for the appointment of a new rector.

With no regular appointments, the university is likely to miss its progress goals for the years to come.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2025