On the cards: HEC likely to issue university status to AUST

ABBOTTABAD: The Abbottabad University of Science & Technology (AUST) is likely to obtain a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as it has fulfilled all requirements mandatory for getting the status of a public university.

Talking to The Express Tribune on Thursday, AUST Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Iftikhar Ahmed said Adviser to the CM on Information and Public Relations Mushtaq Ghani formally inaugurated AUST on September 5, 2015. However, the university had failed to get an NoC owing to certain shortcomings that HEC’s inspection team pointed out.

Ahmed said the appointment of VC, constitution of administrative bodies, shortage of faculty and buildings were the causes that had prevented AUST from obtaining its legal status. “But now things have improved and we have almost met the requirements essential for the NOC,” he said.

Ahmed also said with the issuance of NOC, the university, which was situated at a prime location on the side of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) route, will develop fast.

He expressed hope that the varsity will be made entitled to HEC funding programmes besides obtaining the status of a public university. “Without enjoying the status of a university, AUST will be nothing more than a piece of paper,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 12^th, 2016.