IT pioneer in Pakistan, FAST eyes more programmes in future

Islamabad
Keeping an eye on the future of students of Pakistan who have multiple prospects in the field of information technology, which is thriving in Pakistan, FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences Rector Dr. Amir Muhammed is optimistic about the strength of students and their will to expedite the socio-economic development of the country.
“The talent we have is remarkable and since the inception of this university, it has been gradually diversifying its degree programmes,” he stated while speaking exclusively to ‘The News’ here on Tuesday.
Dr. Amir Muhammed said that this year, the university has opened its fifth campus, located on the Faisalabad-Chiniot Road, along with the main campuses located in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar. The university, he said, regularly introduces degree programmes, which are compatible with local as well as international requirements. “Each new degree programme is evaluated with respect to the job market today as well as in the foreseeable future,” he added.
Dr. Amir Muhammed, who is also the chairman of the board of governors, said that the sponsoring body of the university — the Foundation for Advancement of Science and Technology (FAST) — was established in 1980. It pioneered the development of IT industry in Pakistan by offering the first undergraduate programme in computer science. “Today, this university is sponsored by FAST, stands recognised as the leader and trendsetter in IT in the country and abroad. Rated at Number 3 position in the HEC Ranking in IT, the university provides world-class educational environment and recreational facilities to about 8000 students,” he added.
Talking about the vision of the university, Dr. Amir Muhammed said that they strive to become a globally-recognised research university of Pakistan within the next decade. “We are producing the manpower that the country needs badly. The expertise of the latest advancements in

information technology can equip the students to steer the country out of crisis that we are facing today,” he added.
He mentioned the remarkable achievement of an ex-FAST student from Karachi, Mir Zafar Ali, who won an Oscar for ‘Best Visual Effects’ for renowned Hollywood animated film ‘Frozen’ at the Academy Awards. “It is indeed a remarkable honour for us that our ex-student has been awarded two Oscars. It will encourage and motivate other students to achieve something big in their lives,” he said.
“Even Microsoft office based in Dubai has done a lot of hiring from FAST University, Pakistan. More than fifteen students who graduated from FAST universities have made their own companies and have become entrepreneurs and are hiring people for their own companies,” he said.
Currently, the university, he said, is offering degree programmes in Computer Science,Electrical Engineering,


Civil Engineering, Management Sciences, Mathematics and Software Project Management. They are offering Bachelors, Masters and PhD in different programmes. “The only problem, which the university is facing, is the non-availability of hostels. We want to expand and cater to the students coming from far-flung areas. The problem comes for the students coming from small cities who want to reside in hostels for their studies. It has been 10 years since we were promised land at subsidised rates in Islamabad next to FAST University, but we are still waiting for it to materialise so that we can build hostels and expand our university by establishing industry-academia linkages,” he added.
The curriculum, he said, is duly approved by the HEC and at par with the changing trends of the country and abroad. In future, the university is planning to offer programmes in Bio-Informatics and have linkages with foreign universities. “We need to strengthen our existing setup, which itself is a daunting task and then we would further branch out with our new programmes with highly qualified faculty. At FAST Faisalabad, we want to specialise on application of information technology techniques in Textile and Agriculture sectors with the objective of making these sectors more efficient and competitive in the global market. We are also examining the possibility of adding specialise courses in Law, Environmental Studies, and Water Management in near future,” he said.
Talking about The News Education Expo, Dr. Amir Muhammed said that it’s a very good initiative by the Jang Group to make students aware of the universities in which they can apply and pursue their higher studies.