SWABI: The alumni of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology have stressed academia-industry linkage for generating skilled human resource for country’s sustainable development.

The members of the GIK Institute Alumni Association, coming from 70 countries, were speaking at a gathering held here on Saturday.

Shakil Durrani, former Wapda chairman, and executive director of Society for Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan (Soprest), was the chief guest.

Provincial finance and health minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra, who is also a member of the association, Prof Dr Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Rector GIK Institute, Sardar Aminullah Khan, pro-rector administration and finance, Prof Wasim A Khan, pro-rector academics, deans, students of various disciplines, directors and other staff were also present.

The alumni paid tributes to late Ghulam Ishaq Khan, former president of Pakistan and founder of the institute, and also to their teachers.

The gathering provided them an opportunity to reunite, catch up with their old friends, refresh the memories of the student life and have a glimpse of their alma mater.

“GIK Institute has really transformed my personality,” said Hina Gohar, who has completed her PhD from abroad.

Junaid Kalim, the president of the association said the alumni had provided Rs27 million scholarships to GIK Institute students during the current year. “We provide need and merit-based scholarships to students,” he said. “We will increase the scholarships to Rs30 million next year.”

“We are true representatives of our alma mater. We will strive to use our expertise, experience and status to further boost the ranking of the institute in the field of engineering and management sciences,” said Mohammad Usman, who came from Mexico.

Speaking on the occasion, Shakil Durrani said GIK Institute was known as the centre of excellence, enjoying a unique place in the country’s landscape of higher education.

Taimur Jhagra said: “The GIK Institute has produced outstanding graduates.”

Prof Khalid said the alumni’s visit had become a huge source of inspiration and strength for GIKI.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2021