ISLAMABAD, Dec 28: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has planned to augment areas of network infrastructure and internet service setup as a model for other government departments. Focusing on establishing academic network among universities of Pakistan for exchange of shared research databases, digital libraries and enhancement of academic information, a project amounting to Rs34.235 million was approved to strengthen the existing IT facilities at higher education commission in the meeting of departmental development party (DDWP) of HEC. This was told by Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, Chairman HEC, to Dawn here on Saturday.

The main objective of the project was to automate the routine work of higher education commission as per existing new technologies. Under this project LAN/WAN implementation and customised database designing and implementation would be done.

This exercise will be completed by introducing information and communication technology in all areas of the work like internal communications, finance and budgeting and procurement.

On successful completion, this facility would be extended to universities and degree-awarding colleges and institutes as well as made part of the government internet at national level.