HEC Chairman inaugurates National Center for Composite Materials at NTUF

Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar has inaugurated the National Center for Composite Materials at National Textile University Faisalabad (NTUF) and emphasized the need for strengthening research and development to boost Pakistan’s industrial and technological capacity

FAISALABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan Chairman Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar has inaugurated the National Center for Composite Materials at National Textile University Faisalabad (NTUF) and emphasized the need for strengthening research and development to boost Pakistan’s industrial and technological capacity.

During his official visit to the university, the HEC Chairman was warmly received by NTUF Rector/Vice Chancellor Dr. Rashid Masood along with senior faculty members and administrative officials.

He appreciated the ongoing academic and development projects at the university and stressed the importance of expanding such initiatives in the future.

Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar held separate meetings with deans, directors and heads of various departments, where matters related to academic growth, research collaboration, and institutional development were discussed.

He also planted a sapling in the university premises to mark the launch of a tree plantation drive and offered prayers on the occasion.

The HEC Chairman formally inaugurated the National Center for Composite Materials (NCCM) established at NTUF and lauded state-of-the-art laboratory equipment acquired through joint financial support of HEC Pakistan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

He was informed that the advanced facilities at the center would support key sectors including defense, heavy industry, sports industry, paint industry and technical textiles, thereby enhancing Pakistan’s industrial and research capabilities.

Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar appreciated the dedicated efforts of the NTU administration and NCCM team in establishing the center of excellence.

He particularly acknowledged the contributions of Prof. Dr. Rashid Masood, Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Dr. Usman Zubair, Dr. Zakariya Zubair, and Dr. Qamar Khan for their roles in the successful completion of the project.

He also commended the academic and research contributions of senior faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir Hussain, Prof. Dr. Hafsa Jamshed, Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain, Prof. Dr. Shiraz Ahmed, Dr. Zafar Javed, Muhammad Zabihullah Khan, Dr. Muhammad Naseer, and Dr. Muhammad Asif.

HEC Chairman reiterated that institutions like NTUF are playing a vital role in promoting quality education, advanced research and industry-academia linkages, assuring continued support for further strengthening the higher education sector in the country.