CUI to commercialize research and bring FDI to Pakistan: Federal Secretary MoST

Islamabad
Federal Secretary, Ministry of Science and Technology, Shahid Baloch visited COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) Islamabad Campus today and was received by the Rector, Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, along with principal officers and senior management.
The Rector presented a comprehensive overview of CUI’s digital transformation initiatives aimed at making the university future-ready, including SmartSelect@CUI, CUOnline, Online Degree Verification, and the Smart Thesis Management System. He highlighted that these measures have led to paper savings equivalent to approximately 2,000 trees and projected financial savings of up to PKR 50 million. Over the past three months, the initiatives have reclaimed an estimated 8,400 staff hours and eliminated more than 18,000 days of processing associated with surface mail.
It was further shared that during the 40th Selection Board, over 1,500 cases of appointment and promotion were processed entirely paperless through a transparent and efficient system developed in-house within three months. The Rector emphasized that CUI is also undertaking measures to reskill its human resource base in line with evolving industry requirements.
Highlighting the university’s strategic direction, Prof. Qamar stated that CUI is transitioning toward becoming an AI-enabled institution, integrating artificial intelligence across governance, academics, research, and decision-making systems. He underscored the need for continued support from the Ministry in addressing governance and infrastructural challenges.
The Federal Secretary appreciated the university’s initiatives and assured support for strengthening CUI’s presence in Baluchistan and Sindh in the coming financial years. Financial constraints arising from the large number of Worker Welfare Fund scholars were also discussed.
Mr. Baloch informed that the Ministry is supporting CUI’s proposal for establishing a UNESCO Category II Centre for Artificial Intelligence and a UNESCO STEM Chair at the Islamabad Campus and encouraged the university to institutionalize paperless statutory meetings.
He also emphasized the need for policy reforms to develop a startup ecosystem in Pakistan and urged the university to focus on commercialization of research and conversion of patents into Foreign Direct Investment. He said that the university’s biomedical research being undertaken at IRCBM, Lahore needs to convert into indigenous exportable products with a profitable yield for the economy.
The Secretary later visited the CUI Central Library and the CUI Art Gallery and appreciated the works of artists placed on display and recorded comments in the Distinguished Visitor’s Book. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to advancing innovation, digital transformation, and higher education excellence in Pakistan.