Quetta: Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) successfully hosted a one-day seminar titled “Global Partnership for Transformative Research” at the Orange Hall, Takatu Campus, Quetta. The seminar was organized under the British Council-funded project “Empowering a Low-Carbon Future: UK–Pakistan Research Collaboration through Innovative Technologies” in collaboration with Middlesex University London and Brunel University London.
The project team at BUITEMS comprised Dr. Rozeena Shaikh (Principal Investigator), Dr. Bushra Haq, Dr. Maqsood Ahmad, Dr. Sobia Faisal, and Mr. Imran Ali Sani (Co-Principal Investigators).
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem. Dr. Rozeena Shaikh welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of international research collaboration in addressing contemporary environmental and climate-related challenges. The audience was also introduced to BUITEMS through a university presentation, followed by a video showcasing the objectives and achievements of the UK–Pakistan research partnership project.
The seminar was graced by Prof. Dr. Khalid Hafeez (TI), Vice Chancellor BUITEMS, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the participants, he emphasized the critical role of higher education institutions in promoting research, innovation, and sustainable development. He highlighted BUITEMS’ growing contribution to research excellence and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting initiatives focused on low-carbon technologies, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience.
The international dimension of the project was highlighted through virtual addresses by Dr. Kamran Ali Sani, Senior Lecturer at Middlesex University London, and Dr. Syed Sardar Muhammad, Associate Professor at Brunel University London. They appreciated BUITEMS for organizing the seminar and underscored the importance of UK–Pakistan academic partnerships in developing innovative solutions to global environmental challenges.
The seminar also featured an address by Mr. Syed Ali Imran, Chief Conservator of Forests (North Zone), Government of Balochistan, who shared insights into provincial efforts related to forest conservation, reforestation, and climate adaptation initiatives being implemented in collaboration with international organizations, including WWF.
A major highlight of the event was an engaging panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sobia Faisal. The panel brought together distinguished experts from academia, research institutions, and development organizations to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in environmental sustainability and low-carbon development.
The panelists included Prof. Dr. Raheela Umar Sumalani, Associate Professor at BUITEMS and former Pro Vice Chancellor of Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University; Mr. Rowaid Ullah Jan, Climate Change Specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); Dr. Nelofer Jamil, Assistant Professor and Head of Department at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University; Dr. Faheem Nawaz, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences at BUITEMS; Mrs. Zamurd Naz Bugti, Deputy Director at the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR); and Dr. Gohram Malghani, Associate Professor of Environmental Sciences at BUITEMS.
The discussion explored the transformative role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, environmental research, policy interventions, water resource management, climate adaptation, and community engagement in advancing sustainable development. Participants from BUITEMS, the University of Balochistan, and Balochistan Agriculture College actively contributed to the dialogue, making the session highly interactive and productive.
The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Imran Ali Sani, who expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, speakers, researchers, panelists, and participants for their valuable contributions. Certificates and shields were distributed among participants and guest speakers by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Hafeez (TI), accompanied by Engr. Dr. Surat Khan, Dean Faculty of Information and Communication Technologies, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mushtaq, Dean Faculty of Life Sciences and Informatics, and senior university officials.
The event successfully demonstrated BUITEMS’ commitment to fostering international research partnerships, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and advancing innovative, technology-driven solutions to environmental and climate challenges. Through initiatives such as this, BUITEMS continues to strengthen its position as a leading center for research, innovation, and sustainable development in Balochistan and Pakistan.