Islamabad: Federal Secretary for the Ministry of Science and Technology, Shahid Baloch, said that COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) is playing a key role in promoting research on commercial lines to help attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into Pakistan.

He made these remarks during his visit to the Islamabad campus of COMSATS University, where he was received by Rector Prof Dr Raheel Qamar, along with senior officials and administrative staff.

The rector briefed the delegation on the university’s ongoing digital transformation initiatives aimed at aligning the institution with future demands. These include SmartSelect@CUI, COMSATS University Online, online degree verification, and a smart thesis management system.

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According to the briefing, these initiatives have resulted in paper savings equivalent to nearly 2,000 trees and are expected to save up to Rs50 million financially. Over the past three months, approximately 8,400 staff hours have been saved, while more than 18,000 days of postal processing have been eliminated.

It was further shared that during the 40th Selection Board, over 1,500 cases related to appointments and promotions were processed entirely through a paperless, transparent, and efficient system within three months. The rector also emphasized ongoing efforts to train the university’s workforce in line with modern industrial requirements.

Highlighting the university’s strategic direction, Prof Qamar said COMSATS is moving toward becoming an AI-enabled institution, integrating artificial intelligence into governance, teaching, research, and decision-making processes. He also stressed the need for continued support from the ministry to address governance and infrastructure challenges.

The federal secretary appreciated the university’s initiatives and assured support for strengthening COMSATS University’s presence in Balochistan and Sindh in the coming fiscal years. Financial challenges linked to a large number of students supported through the Workers Welfare Fund were also discussed.

Shahid Baloch said the ministry is backing the university’s proposal to establish a UNESCO Category II Centre for Artificial Intelligence and a UNESCO STEM Chair at the Islamabad campus. He also encouraged the institutionalization of paperless meetings across the university.

Emphasizing the need for policy reforms, he called for strengthening Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and urged the university to commercialize research and convert patents into foreign direct investment. He added that biomedical research at IRCBM Lahore should be transformed into exportable products to contribute to the national economy.

Later, the federal secretary visited the COMSATS Central Library and Art Gallery, where he appreciated the displayed artwork and recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book.

The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting innovation, digital transformation, and higher education in Pakistan.