rki.news
Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), Oct 28: A delegation of the Need and Hope Foundation (NHF) and overseas alumni of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s College of Engineering and Technology (UCET) on Wednesday visited the Department of Electrical Engineering at Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) to discuss initiatives for career counselling, skills development and improved employment opportunities for students.
The delegation, which visited the department included former MUST Registrar Engineer Muhammad Waris, Engineer Naeem Parvaiz Raza, Engineer Aziz Akhtar Choudhry, Engineer Nadeem Raza, Engineer Sajid Ali Choudhry, Engineer Nasir Mehmood Qazi, Engineer Muhammad Ilyas Mughal and Shahzada Iqbal.
Dr Muhammad Ilyas Menhas, Head of the Electrical Engineering Department, also attended the meeting.
Welcoming the delegation, Engineer Muhammad Waris said NHF was committed to helping students and creating opportunities for future generations through collective efforts and shared resources. He recalled the contributions of Engineer Tahir Azam Khan, Engineer Arif, Engineer Raja Shafiq, Engineer Badru Salam and other supporters in establishing the foundation. He said the visit aimed to strengthen links with the department and explore practical ways to support its students and faculty.
Engineer Naeem Parvaiz Raza stressed the need for structured career counselling and a multipurpose skills development centre within the Electrical Engineering Department. Drawing on the British education system, he highlighted the importance of vocational training, practical experience and flexible learning opportunities alongside academic qualifications.
He proposed that the centre should equip students with market-oriented skills, provide graduates with practical experience and help generate resources for the department.
Engineer Aziz Akhtar Choudhry expressed satisfaction over MUST’s growth, saying the university had expanded considerably since the time he studied there. He acknowledged the institution’s role in shaping the careers of its graduates and expressed confidence that it would achieve greater academic distinction. Engineer Nadeem Raza, who revisited his alma mater after 35 years, pledged support from overseas alumni for initiatives aimed at benefiting future generations of students.
Engineers Sajid Ali Choudhry and Muhammad Ilyas Mughal also endorsed the proposed skills centre and career counselling initiatives.
Shahzada Iqbal called for establishing a career counselling cell and suggested engaging experienced professionals, including Engineer Waris, and overseas alumni to guide students. Engineer Nasir Mehmood Qazi thanked the visiting alumni for making time to visit their former institution despite their busy schedules abroad.
Dr Muhammad Ilyas Menhas appreciated the delegation’s visit, saying the strong association of graduates with their department reflected the strength of the institution and the value alumni placed on their alma mater. He said continued engagement between the university and its graduates could help strengthen academic and professional opportunities for students.
