Faculty, administrative staff appreciate VC’s performance at FUUAST

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th May, 2026) Faculty members and administrative officers of the Federal urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST), have expressed confidence in the leadership and performance of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari (SI, TI), describing his two-and-a-half-year tenure as productive and progressive.

They also rejected what they termed as negative propaganda based on non-issues against an institution that has long been serving the cause of national language, education and intellectual development.

According to faculty and staff members, several positive changes have taken place at the university since Dr. Shinwari assumed charge as Vice Chancellor. They noted that the public perception of the University has improved considerably due to better academic and administrative management and a stronger institutional presence in the media.

They observed that the University previously received limited positive attention in mainstream media. However, under the present administration, academic, research, and administrative activities have been strengthened while efforts have also been made to highlight the university’s achievements through traditional and digital media platforms.

As a result, the university now enjoyed greater visibility and students’ achievements, academic activities and campus events regularly receive media coverage.

Faculty members further stated that academic and co-curricular activities are being organized on a regular basis, contributing to students’ professional growth and improving the overall image of the institution. They appreciated the Vice Chancellor’s support for the university’s digital news platform, PEHEL, which has provided practical training opportunities to students of Mass Communication. Several graduates associated with the platform have secured employment in reputable media organizations.

They also pointed out that the launch of PEHEL magazine and the quarterly newspaper Deep from the Department of Mass Communication became possible during Dr. Shinwari’s tenure. Both publications continue to be issued regularly and are providing valuable learning opportunities for students within the university environment.

Faculty members said that the Vice Chancellor has also encouraged research activities. Research journals published from the Islamabad Campus are appearing regularly, while 'Political Vista' an academic publication of the Department of International Relations, is being published consistently with contributions on contemporary international affairs and policy issues.

Some faculty members expressed satisfaction over the establishment of the 'Seerat Chair' during the current administration. Under this initiative, seminars on various aspects of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) are organized regularly. Scholars and speakers from Pakistan and abroad participate in these sessions, while students also take part in naat recitation and speech competitions.

The faculty noted that Dr. Shinwari’s vision is also reflected in the university’s growing international engagement. Memorandums of Understanding have been signed with several foreign universities, and practical collaboration in the form of conferences and student exchange programmes is underway.

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They referred to the recent international conference hosted in Kazan, Russia, under the umbrella of Federal Urdu University, which brought together researchers, diplomats, academics, and students from different countries. Government representatives, ambassadors, scholars and researchers participated in the event. A delegation of around thirty participants from Pakistan attended the conference, including senior academics and university leaders, while six faculty members from FUUAST also represented the university.

Faculty members stated that student exchange opportunities are also being facilitated through partnerships with institutions in countries including Russia and Poland, and further international academic activities are planned in the future.

They recalled that during the difficult period of ongoing developments in Palestine, the Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan visited the university and interacted with students and their families, acknowledging Pakistan’s support and expressing appreciation on behalf of the Palestinian people.

Faculty and staff members also highlighted the successful establishment of the Department of Pharmacy at the Islamabad Campus after obtaining the required approval from the Pakistan Pharmacy Council. They noted that demand for admission has been exceptionally high, with applications exceeding the available seats. They further stated that a Department of Biotechnology is being launched, while new academic programmes have also been introduced in different disciplines to meet contemporary educational needs. The university has additionally obtained approval for an MPhil programme in International Relations and admissions have been announced accordingly.

They described the establishment of the Qarshi Clinic as another important achievement. Developed with the support of the Qarshi Foundation, the facility is providing free medical consultation and medicines to students, faculty members, staff and local residents. The clinic is also expected to serve as a practical learning facility for pharmacy students.

Administrative officers welcomed the successful implementation of the solar energy project across the university’s campuses. They said the initiative would significantly reduce electricity expenditures and reflects the administration’s commitment to institutional development and sustainability.

Faculty members and administrative staff concluded that the improving academic environment and peaceful atmosphere at the university are contributing to increased admissions and growing academic interest. They expressed confidence that the establishment of new departments and academic programmes reflects the Vice Chancellor’s long-term vision for the University.

They reiterated their support for the university’s leadership and emphasized that constructive criticism should always be welcomed, but attempts to create controversy around minor issues do not serve the interests of the institution. They maintained that Federal Urdu University continues to play an important role in providing quality educational opportunities, particularly to students from middle-income backgrounds, and deserves support in its mission of academic and research excellence.