The Opening ceremony of 10-Years Celebration of COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Sahiwal was held at CIIT Sahiwal campus. Mr. Barar Hayat Tarar, Commissioner Sahiwal was the Chief Guest whereas, Prof. Dr. M. A. Bodla, Vice Chancellor of Leads University, Lahore was the Guest of Honor. The event was attend by researchers from Spain, Finland and France, Prof. Dr. Tallat Afza, Vice Chancellor of Govt. Sadiq College Women University, Bahawalpur, Dr. Muhammad Atif Ikram, DPO Sahiwal, Dr. Shakir Ahmad Shahid, SSP (Investigation), Sahiwal, Syed Ayub Bukhari, AC (Revenue), Mr. Aqeel Ashfaq, Dr. Hamdani, Resident Director Sahiwal Arts Council, Prof. Dr. Khair u Zaman, Director CIIT Vehari, Prof. Dr. Shahid Rajput, Secretary, Harappa International Conference, Arch. Zain ul Abedin, Mr. Naveed A. Khan, Head of Department, Faculty and Officers.
During opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Saleem Farooq Shaukat, Director CIIT Sahiwal shared that the humble opening of a glorious unending journey of CIIT Sahiwal campus took place in 2006. The campus is purpose built and is spread over area of 36 acres on land. CIIT Sahiwal is committed to provide state of the art training and education to our students and prepare them for successful career in their respective fields. Our mission is to encourage learning and promote research activities in order to facilitate our students to fulfill their aims and aspirations objectively. We set the sails with only one department and five faculty members but now we are growing with each passing moment. At the moment, 3,167 students are studying in 18 graduate and undergraduate programs in Management Sciences, Computer Sciences, Software Engineering, Telecommunication, Biosciences, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Mathematics. CIIT Sahiwal has produced 2,070 graduates since inception. We have developed collaborative relationships with the international academic institutions for pursuing excellence in the fields of education and research. Our educational approach is process-oriented so we give industry exposure to our students through internship programs which provide our young professionals the opportunity to thrive in the existent work environment. In this way we emphasize on bridging the theory and practice, and stress upon learning through collaboration and participation. We, at CIIT Sahiwal, endeavor to ensure that the time spent by the students with us is a time of growth and discovery. The success achieved by our alumni is the evidence of our focus on the students.
He further shared that we have established Civil Engineering Department which will offer admissions in coming semester. Moreover, we have recently established Department of Heritage Studies to revive and restore Harappa ruins. The establishment of the “Department of Heritage Studies” at CIIT Sahiwal would be highly beneficial to both the institute and the public. The foundation of Montgomery Museum is the result of such efforts.
The Director CIIT Sahiwal campus told that during ten years of our growth, we have realized the dream of worthy Rector, CIIT to provide education to all, irrespective of the financial conditions of the students. We have never said no to any student. We have offered plenty of scholarships to our students and almost 50% of our students are enjoying different scholarships. CIIT Sahiwal has disbursed about 214 million rupees against scholarships, financial assistance, and Qarz-e-Hasana since its inception.
He shared that our focus is production and entrepreneurship by exploiting local resources and utilizing indigenous natural potential for the growth of locality. We are planning to launch BS programs in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. We have plans to establish centers of excellence in automobile engineering, clean energy, IT, entrepreneurship, and indigenous/folk medicine. We are working to establish a cultural heritage museum at CIIT Sahiwal which will soon be opened for visitors.
He further shared that CIIT Sahiwal hosted 3-days 1st Harappa International Conference on August 15 – 17, 2015. First two days sessions were held in Lahore including Poster Exhibition and visit of historical sites in Lahore whereas, closing session was held in CIIT Sahiwal after the visit of the delegates to Harappa site and Museum. The conference was attended by a large number of audiences including the officials of department of Archaeology, Govt. of Punjab, Lahore Museum, American Institute of Pakistan Studies (AIPS), Departments of Archaeology and History, Universities of the Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Baluchistan. The 2nd HIC is being held on December 18-20, 2016 which will be attended by a large number of experts and other individuals interested in the subject. The COMSATS looks forward to organize this event annually till such time when a visible difference is realized for the protection of national heritage. The efforts undertaken so far by the Center of Heritage Studies (CHS) at (Sahiwal) and Department of Architecture (Islamabad) for the protection of national heritage include practical contribution for bringing the site of Harappa on the World Heritage List of UNESCO; establishment of CHS; engaging the national and international experts on archaeology; Providing a platform for combined efforts of the national and international heritage bodies. The 1st Harappa International Conference was focused on the theme of Environment, Archaeology, Conservation and Legacy whereas; the theme of the 2nd Conference is “Indus Civilization in the Regional Context”.
The Guest of Honor Prof. Dr. M.A Bodla, VC Leads University, Lahore congratulated the CIIT family for achieving this milestone. He shared that CIIT has become one of the best educational institutions in Pakistan in very short span of time.
The Chief Guest, Mr. Babar Hayat Tarar, Commissioner Sahiwal expressed his gratitude for being part of this ceremony. He congratulated the management of CIIT for arranging Harappa International Conference and celebration of National Museum Day.
In order to reward their contribution towards growth of CIIT Sahiwal, ten most senior employees were awarded souvenirs and cash award.
The introduction about celebration of National Museum Day was also shared with the audience.
At the end, Prof. Dr. Saleem Farooq Shaukat presented souvenirs to all honorable guests.
