COMSATS University Introduces Major Academic and Administrative Reforms in First Year of New Rector, 467 appointments and 438 promotions recommended; AI course made compulsory in all degree programmes; digitalisation saves over seven million pages of paper. COMSATS University Islamabad has introduced major academic, administrative and institutional reforms during the first year of the tenure of its Rector, Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, including recommendations for 467 appointments and 438 promotions, the introduction of compulsory Artificial Intelligence (AI) courses across all degree programmes, and extensive digitalisation of university operations. To mark the completion of his first year in office, Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, accompanied by Controller of Examinations Dr. Sajjad Madni, met a delegation of journalists and briefed them on the university’s performance and key achievements. According to the university’s first annual performance report, covering the period from October 27, 2025, to October 26, 2026, the administration undertook a series of reforms across all seven campuses under its Green Transformation initiative, aimed at improving institutional efficiency, transparency, academic standards and resource utilisation. The Rector said that the transition towards digital systems had resulted in estimated savings equivalent to more than seven million printed pages. At the 44th meeting of the Academic Council, an agenda comprising over 12,000 pages was presented digitally. The initiative alone reportedly helped save approximately 700,000 printed pages and 700,000 litres of water, while avoiding carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to 9.1 tonnes. Highlighting administrative reforms, Prof. Qamar said the university’s 40th and 41st Selection Boards recommended 467 appointments. In addition, 220 promotions under the Tenure Track System (TTS) and 218 promotions of non-teaching staff were recommended. Promotions of 141 staff-grade employees across various campuses and the principal seat were also recorded. To strengthen the university’s administrative structure, six campus directors, five faculty deans and three departmental chairpersons were appointed on a regular basis. In a major academic initiative, the university approved a compulsory three-credit-hour Artificial Intelligence course for students enrolled in all degree programmes, effective from the Fall 2026 semester. The initiative aims to equip students from disciplines beyond computer science with essential knowledge and practical understanding of emerging AI technologies. The university has also introduced a six-skill academic framework to prepare graduates for evolving job-market requirements. The framework focuses on coding, cloud technology, creative thinking, human-AI collaboration, cybersecurity and effective communication. The report further highlights the approval of several new academic programmes, including BS Financial Technology at the Islamabad and Attock campuses, BS Economics with Data Science at Abbottabad, MS Psychology at Islamabad, PhD English Linguistics at Lahore, and Bachelor of Fine Arts. Under its faculty and staff development initiatives, the Faculty Development Academy conducted 23 training courses between September 2025 and August 2026, attracting a total of 1,654 participants. These included 13 life-skills courses attended by 533 employees. The training programmes covered a range of professional and technical skills, including social media marketing, graphic designing, artificial intelligence applications, solar technology, electrical systems and electric vehicles. The objective is to enhance employees’ professional capabilities and enable them to explore additional income-generating and entrepreneurial opportunities. Speaking about the university’s international engagement, Prof. Qamar said that 112 new international students from 17 countries enrolled during the Spring and Fall 2026 semesters, bringing the total number of international students at the university to 210, representing 22 countries. In another significant development, COMSATS University signed a three-and-a-half-year agreement worth US$220,000 with the Maldives National University to support the digital transformation of its academic and administrative systems. The project includes the development of software solutions for admissions, academic records, course portals and financial management. The university has also made progress in student and faculty exchange initiatives with universities in T\u00fcrkiye, Canada, Poland and Malaysia. Furthermore, 100 scholarships at MS and PhD levels in Artificial Intelligence and other advanced scientific disciplines were offered to students from member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). To facilitate students, an online application management system has also been introduced, processing more than 400 applications during its first week of operation. Digital facilities are additionally being developed and expanded for recruitment, financial management, examinations, research submissions and degree verification. Highlighting engagement with graduates, the Rector said the university had launched the COMSATS Alumni Excellence Awards to strengthen ties with its network of more than 117,000 alumni. The initiative recognises outstanding achievements in professional careers, business innovation, community service and the accomplishments of young graduates. Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar said that the success of a university should not be measured solely by its position in international rankings, but also by the quality of education, practical impact of research, professional achievements of graduates, innovation and its positive contribution to society. He emphasised that the university would continue to focus on institutional modernisation, academic excellence, responsible use of artificial intelligence, research collaboration and strengthening its international partnerships.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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