Convocation-2022 held at COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus

COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus organized convocations on 25th October 2022 in the main auditorium of the Abbottabad campus. The solemn occasion was graced by the honorable rector COMSATS University Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tabassum Afzal, director Abbottabad Campus, Dr. Mohammad Maroof Shah, members of senate, syndicate, and academic council, chairpersons and heads of different departments, faculty, parents, and other renowned guests. The convocation was conducted in two sessions (morning and evening) in which a total of 1243 students appeared and received degrees in the disciplines of Engineering, Business Administration, Sciences and Information Sciences and Technology. Moreover, 48 students bagged medals (gold, silver, and bronze) for their outstanding academic performance in different fields. Noteworthy, 26 students were awarded Ph.D. degrees in the disciplines of Electrical Engineering, Pharmacy, Environmental Sciences, Development Studies, and Biotechnology. The ceremony started with convocation proceedings whereby the respected rector declared the convocation open by signing the scroll followed by the conferment of medals and degrees to the students (Ph.D., Masters, and bachelor) who passed out in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022.

The honorable rector in his address congratulated the passing out students for achieving a milestone in their professional life. He also thanked the parents who put their trust in COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus management, and faculty, in grooming and shaping up the future of their children. He said that it is their believe that pushed the management and faculty at COMSATS University Islamabad, to maintain high standards of higher education. He showed his satisfaction that the students have been professionally trained in a way that helps them move confidently in their professional lives. He advised students to remain devoted and embark the new challenges with full enthusiasm that will surely take them to new heights of success. He opiniated that along with degree graduates should attain hands on skills to live a competent professional life that will also contribute to the betterment of society.

He emphasized that we are living in the era of knowledge revolution that demands focus in applied research along with academic excellence. Therefore, the combined efforts in both areas can help buildup nation and take our country towards development. He further stated that COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus has instilled in its students all the traits required to shape not only their professional life but also the future of Pakistan.

He briefed the audience that COMSATS University Islamabad is building up international linkages to provide opportunities for graduates to excel internationally in their fields. The Rector also shared that the research productivity at COMSATS University Islamabad resulted in improved university ranking at different forums. In the QS University ranking for the year 2022-2023, COMSATS University Islamabad is at 142 positions in Asia and 18th in Southern Asia; whereas in the Times Higher Education Ranking of 2022-2023, it stands at 6th position, and Shanghai University ranking it is at 1st position. Noteworthy, in Pakistan according to the nature index COMCOMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campusiversity, Islamabad is at 2nd position.

In the concluding remarks, Professor Dr. Afzal showed satisfaction towards the management and faculty of Abbottabad Campus for their continuous efforts in uplifting the name of COMSATS in the higher education sector. He also extended his gratitude towards the Government of Pakistan, and especially the Ministry of Science and Technology for its continuous support in promoting standards of higher education to meet the international level. He also thanked Pakistan Army for providing its precious land for Abbottabad Campus.

On this occasion, respected director, Dr. Mohammad Maroof Shah presented the campus report in which he briefed the audience that the motto of COMSATS Abbottabad campus is to produce experts in different disciplines who can excel in their respective fields. He praised the students for successfully completing their education journey and advised them to maintain their integrity, honor, and hard work in the coming years of life. He also thanked the parents who recognize the importance of education and overburden themselves to let their children get a professional degree. In his opinion, the real heroes were the parents who endured thick and thin for the bright future of their children. He said that the growth of any university resides in the combined efforts of students and the faculty and the tremendous growth of COMSATS Abbottabad campus reflected in academics and research clearly explains this coordinated effort. He showed his satisfaction with faculty endeavors to embark on new challenges which help them achieve new heights in the fields of research. He informed the audience that in the last year a total of 486 publications with an impact factor of 2000 has been produced from the Abbottabad campus that clearly indicates the focus of the university and Abbottabad campus towards the applied research. He emphasized that at COMSATS Abbottabad, we desire to expand the knowledge in different fields to meet the challenges of technological revolutions and provide opportunities to the youth in the region. He also mentioned that the foreign student intake from China, Nigeria, and Afghanistan in the Abbottabad Campus is example of the high standards of higher education at COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus.

Dr. Shah also remembered and praised the tireless efforts of the founding rector Dr. S.M. Junaid Zaidi and the founding director Abbottabad campus, Dr. Haroon Rashid in the development of COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad campus. He also acknowledged the contribution of Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Raja, Prof. Dr. Kahn Gul Jadoon, and Prof. Dr. Arshad Pervez for setting the stones of quality education at COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad campus. He also thanked the honorable rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tabassum Afzal for his continuous support in maintaining and uplifting the standards of COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus. He also shared updates about the development of COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad campus building at Dahamtore, Abbottabad.