By Mustansar Klasra
- Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar takes charge as Vice-Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, driving governance reforms and promoting good practices.
- New Directorates and Centers approved by the syndicate to enhance Quaid-i-Azam University’s administrative structure and services.
- Prof. Dr. Niaz Akhtar emphasizes the importance of trust-building through the effective functioning of statutory bodies, aiming to achieve the university’s objectives with dedication and commitment.
Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar is a distinguished Pakistani academician currently serving as the Vice-Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, a position he has held since March 14, 2023. Additionally, he holds the esteemed position of Vice-Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council in Punjab. With an illustrious career, Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar has made significant contributions to the academic community.
Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. He completed his undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at the University of the Punjab. Throughout his career, he has held various leadership positions, including serving as the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Engineering and Technology Taxila and the Information and Technology University (ITU-Punjab). He has also been honored as the professor emeritus at the University of Punjab, where he previously served as Vice-Chancellor.
A prolific writer, Dr. Niaz has published and edited four books on quality assurance in higher education in Pakistan. His research articles have been featured in reputable journals, and he has served as the Editor of the Journal of Quality & Technology Management. As the Founder and Director of the Institute of Quality and Technology Management and the Quality Enhancement Cell at the University of Punjab, he has made substantial contributions to the field.
In recognition of his outstanding performance and dedication to education, particularly in the field of Engineering and Technology, Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan on March 23, 2015.
During an interview with the Islamabad Telegraph, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, the Vice-Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), expressed his commitment to establishing good governance practices by enabling statutory bodies to conduct regular meetings and make uninterrupted decisions. He highlighted the university’s progress on multiple fronts, emphasizing the importance of good governance and novel initiatives as key priorities.
Islamabad Police Arrests Fake ISI Brigadier in Islamabad’s Red Zone
Dr. Niaz stressed that ensuring the proper functioning of the statutory bodies at Quaid-i-Azam University would foster trust among stakeholders and enable the institution to effectively achieve its objectives. Within three weeks of assuming his position, the Finance and Planning Committee, Selection Board, and Syndicate meetings were successfully conducted under his leadership. The university faces challenges regarding financial sustainability and resource generation, which are being addressed.
Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Niaz Akhtar shared that the syndicate recently approved several new Directorates and Centers, including the Directorate of External Linkages, Directorate of Alumni Association, University Data Center, University Digitalization Centre, Regional Integration Centre, Human Resource Development Centre, Social Entrepreneurship Centre, Communication Network Centre, Job Placement/Career Counseling Centre, Business Incubation Centre, and Centre for Entrepreneurship. These additions to the university’s administrative structure and services are expected to enhance its basic infrastructure. Driven by dedication, commitment, and a strong work ethic, Prof. Dr. Niaz Akhtar is optimistic that Quaid-i-Azam University will continue progressing each day.
