PESHAWAR(PR): Third International Conference on Sustainability in Process Industry (SPI) 2016 began today at University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar. Vice Chancellor UET Taxila, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed was the chief guest on the occasion, while Dean Faculty of Engineering UET Peshawar, Prof. Dr. Noor Muhammad, Registrar UET Peshawar, Dr. Khizar Azam, faculty members, students and guests from industry were also present. Key note speakers also included DG PASTIC Dr. Akram Shaikh and Vice Chairman of Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) KP Engr. Zahid Arif.
Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed as chief guest said, the universities are focused on conventional education but it is time to diversify non-conventional engineering programmes to add value and innovation in the field. He termed the universities as knowledge creating industry where researchers carryout the research, “if it is not happening, it is not helping the industry,” he remarked.
Dr. Akram Shaikh addressing the event said, Pakistan has plenty of resources which need to be utilized. He said that in Thar we have huge reserves of coal however, we have not yet taken full benefit from it. He supported the idea of reverse engineering and innovation.
Engr. Zahid Arif, Vice Chairman PEC Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stressed the need for taking projects that are practical. He urged the government to utilize maximum funds collected from the industry under R&D. He assured UET Peshawar a complete support on behalf of Pakistan Engineering Council wherever required.
Dean Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Dr. Noor Muhammad in his welcome address said that hosting such an event is appreciable to gather best minds under one roof who will help share knowledge and experience. He hailed the efforts of the Chemical Engineering Department for organizing this confernce. Later poster sessions by students and detailed lectures were held on Sustainability in Process Industry by foreign experts. Chairman Department of Chemical Engineering Dr. Muhammad Younas informed the participants about the aims and objectives of the event. He also said that around 20 experts from foreign and national universities will deliver lectures over the two-day event. The conference has been organized in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Science & Technological Information Center (PASTIC), he added.
