HEC chairman distributes laptops to SU students, urges to utilize technology for research, e-commerce

HYDERABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2026) Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar visited the University of Sindh, where he distributed laptops among meritorious students and addressed the senior faculty and staff.

Upon his arrival, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Fateh Muhammad Mari warmly received the HEC chairman. Accompanied by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr Akhtar proceeded to the auditorium of Benazir Bhutto Chair & Convention Centre and handed over laptops to male and female students under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme.

Speaking on the occasion, he expressed satisfaction that the Prime Minister’s initiative to provide laptops for educational purposes was being implemented on merit. He noted that students could utilize these devices not only for research but also for developing projects and engaging in e-commerce to generate income.

Dr Akhtar revealed that during his recent meeting with the prime minister, he was directed to expedite the distribution of laptops in the first phase to enable the launch of the second phase at the earliest.

Referring to prevailing national challenges, he said that despite difficult circumstances, the Federal government had continued the laptop scheme, urging students to take full advantage of the opportunity.

The ceremony was attended by former Vice-Chancellor of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Prof Dr Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, Vice-Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul islam University Karachi, Prof Dr Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice-Chancellor of University of Mirpurkhas Prof Dr Rafiq Memon, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the SU Thatta Campus Prof Dr Misbah Bibi Qureshi, Registrar Sajid Qayoom Memon, focal person for the laptop scheme at Sindh Varsity Dr Kamran Taj Pathan, Deans and heads of departments.

Earlier, addressing deans, directors and senior faculty members at the VC Secretariat’s Senate Hall, the HEC chairman acknowledged being fully aware of the challenges faced by the University of Sindh. He assured that these issues would be resolved in coordination with the Vice-Chancellor.

Dr Akhtar appreciated the Sindh government for increasing annual grants to universities compared to other provinces, calling it a commendable step.

He observed that challenges faced by the University of Sindh were broadly similar to those at University of the Punjab. He underscored the historic role of the University of Sindh in educating the province’s youth and producing distinguished individuals who have served in key positions within Pakistan’s bureaucracy and across the globe.

He stated that his perception of the University of Sindh remained highly positive and that, despite his relatively recent appointment as HEC chairman, he was well aware of the institution’s issues and the socio-economic backgrounds of its students. He emphasized that resolving these challenges would require both adequate funding and other technical help from HEC and internal reforms by faculty, including eliminating unnecessary practices.

He stressed that universities should recruit teaching staff strictly based on need, while avoiding excessive hiring in administrative cadres to maintain financial stability. Highlighting the broader economic context, he remarked that while several institutions in the country were struggling to pay salaries, the distribution of laptops reflected the federal government’s commitment to supporting modern education and youth.

On the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Dr Fateh Muhammad Mari provided a detailed briefing on the university and stated that approximately 45,000 students were enrolled across 72 academic departments. He highlighted that the establishment of a National Incubation Center at the University of Sindh, Elsa Kazi Campus in Hyderabad and a Technology Incubation Center at the University of Sindh aimed to promote entrepreneurship and start-ups among students of IT, business and other disciplines.

Highlighting the challenges of aging infrastructure and shortages of classes, he requested the HEC chief for his support. He hoped that HEC would provide funds under PSDP for the construction of buildings of IBA, IT, Computer Science, and Law, along with the establishment of AI labs under PSDP. Former Vice-Chancellor Dr Muhammad Aslam Uqaili also addressed the house.