HEC Recognizes KFUEIT’s ORIC Following Review of Research and Innovation Milestones

Rahim Yar Khan, 21-10-2025 – The Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) at Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology (KFUEIT) has been officially recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, an announcement that comes after a high-level review visit by Engr. Abrar Ahmed, Deputy Director, R&I HEC.

The recognition underscores KFUEIT’s remarkable progress in fostering a robust ecosystem for research, innovation, and commercialization.

The official review meeting was chaired by Dr. Kashif Munir, Controller of Exams, KFUEIT, and featured a comprehensive presentation by Engr. Dr. M. Saif Ur Rehman, Director ORIC. Dr. Saif Ur Rehman provided a detailed overview of the research and innovation highlights achieved by KFUEIT faculty members. His briefing covered the substantial research funding secured, the status of ongoing research projects, successful KFUEIT-Industry linkages, and details of significant international projects being executed in collaboration with organizations like the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). He also elaborated on the various initiatives undertaken by ORIC to promote a culture of discovery and entrepreneurship within the university.

Participants in the meeting included officers of ORIC, Engr. Dr. Yasir Niaz (Director Career Counselling), Engr. Dr. Shahid Atiq (Director Academics), Mr. M. Umair (ICT), Mr. Bilal Tahir (Procurement), Mr. Ghulam Murtaza (Treasurer Office), Mr. Abdul Moiz (Media and Marketing), and notably, several KFUEIT alumni who have successfully launched their own software houses in Rahim Yar Khan, demonstrating the university’s impact on local economic development.

Following the meeting, Engr. Abrar Ahmed toured key facilities at KFUEIT, including the Pak-German Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, the High-Tech Lab, the High Voltage Lab, and the Eddy Covariance Tower installed with assistance from IWMI. Engr. Ahmed expressed his profound appreciation for the concerted efforts of the KFUEIT faculty and the impressive targets they have achieved.

In the exit meeting, the Worthy Vice Chancellor, Prof. IR. Dr. Amir Azim Khan, extended his sincere gratitude to the HEC for its unwavering support, specifically acknowledging the numerous National Research Program for Universities (NRPU) projects awarded to KFUEIT. Dr. Azim Khan stated that KFUEIT’s faculty and students possess “tremendous potential” for ground-breaking research and innovation. He also shared his recent efforts to deepen engagement with key local industries, including FFC, FFL, Unilever, Nisar Rice Mills, and the RYK Chamber of Commerce & Industries, to promote industrial Research and Development.

Dr. Azim Khan assured HEC that KFUEIT, under his leadership, is fully committed to playing a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan.

The recognition of ORIC KFUEIT by the HEC, which was formally notified based on the visit report, marks a significant milestone that validates the university’s commitment to excellence in research, innovation, and commercialization.