Punjab Study

Bahawalpur: 30 May: A One Day National Conference and Exhibition on “Setting Standards for 21st Century Pakistan Universities building Economies” was organized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan in Islamabad. On this occasion 30 universities of the country including the Islamia University of Bahawalpur were selected to display their ongoing economically beneficial research programmes and relevant products in this exhibition. A team of scientists and students headed by the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar participated in this meeting. The first project from the IUB entitled “Antifungal properties of the Cholistan Desert medicinal plants” is an ongoing research work of Professor Mukhtar which shows how much he cares about this region. He has screened all Cholistan desert medicinal plants and has identified four plants possessing strong antifungal activity and potential to be developed as an efficacious and economical medicine for several superficial and systemic infections from one of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Approval and marketing of this product could boost the economy of Cholistan region. Worth mentioning here is that Dr. Mukhtar’s research work is acknowledged internationally and he is awardee of international pharmaceuticals like Merck and Pfizer. The second project was designed by the Agricultural scientists of the University about enhanced production of wheat during drought season through managing the quantity of nitrogen. Wheat quality and quantity is greatly suffering due to shortage of water generally all over the country and particularly in Bahawalpur region. This research suggests additional production of wheat can be achieved in water stressed environments.
Third project of IUB was the automatic robot developed by students of the University College of Engineering and Technology. This robot has an in built potential of changing direction automatically if faces any obstacle on its way. The command of university students over this latest technology is an evidence of their skills in robot technology and was highly admired by visitors. This advancement is not only a ray of hope and bright future but can also play a significant role in the relevant department, because in future only the latest robot technology will be able to address the shortage of manpower all over the world and it can also be used in emergency situations without any threat. This will prove to be a revolutionary step in the development of national economy.
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur remained centre of attraction for the visiting scientists, researchers, media and general public throughout the day.
Governor Punjab/Chancellor Sardar Latif Khan Khosa during his visit to the IUB stall lauded the efforts of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar and said that IUB has been extending great services in the field of higher education and research particularly in Southern Punjab. The Chairman HEC Dr. Javed R. Laghari also congratulated Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar for ongoing research activities in the Islamia University of Bahawalpur and ensured him every possible help from HEC in University academic and research pursuits. Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission, Dr. Sohail Naqvi was highly impressed with all projects of the IUB and made a special mention of the university during his speech and appreciated the efforts of researchers. He also asked industrialists to invest in these research projects. Former Chairman of the HEC Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman specially visited the IUB stall and discussed research projects with the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar in detail.
Other dignitaries visiting IUB stall included Senator Awais Lagari, Vice Chancellor, Quaid-e-Azam University Prof. Dr. Masoom Yaseenzai, representatives of Chambers of Commerce and Industry from all over the country, scientists from various universities, researchers and a number of students besides media.
IUB Director Research Prof. Dr. M. Asghar Hashmi, Director Planning and Development Mr. Muhammad Ali Wallana alongwith officials and students of the university were also present on this occasion.