Founding Vice Chancellor Congratulates NSU Leadership on Inauguration of NAVTTC-China Centre of Excellence, Celebrates University’s Remarkable Transformation

Prof. Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Founding Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University (NSU), Islamabad, Pakistan has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja, Chairman National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), on his dynamic leadership, visionary commitment and remarkable contributions towards transforming Pakistan’s technical and vocational education and training landscape with his unwavering support to the National Skills University Islamabad. Prof. Mukhtar also felicitated Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Saud Altaf, and the entire NSU community on the successful inauguration of the Centre of Excellence, established through the collaboration of NAVTTC and China at the university.

In his congratulatory message, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar described the inauguration as another significant milestone in NSU’s journey towards becoming a leading institution for technical and vocational education and training in Pakistan. He particularly appreciated the remarkable efforts of the current university leadership and the entire team for establishing the Centre in record time, reflecting the importance of international collaboration in advancing skills development.

Thanking Mr. Max Ma, Founder and CEO of UNI Services International Pakistan and Mr. Zargam Abbas, Prof. Mukhtar recalled his interaction for establishing this center in Pakistan. Today, it is pleasing to note that the center has been established. Prof. Mukhtar, besides great support from the NAVTTC leadership, also thanked Ms. He Tan, President of Harbin Vocational University of Construction Technology, Mr. Wang Yaodong, CEO of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Pakistan, along with Mr. Wang Peng, Managing Director of ITMC Technology China

The Centre of Excellence will offer training in contemporary technical trades, including air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, and other advanced technical skills. These programs will equip Pakistani youth with industry-relevant competencies and improve their employability. Chairman NAVTTC, Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja, while inaugurating the Centre, expressed gratitude to China for its valuable cooperation and reaffirmed his commitment to introducing further transformative skills development initiatives over the next six months. The Vice Chancellor of NSU and representatives of Chinese companies participated in the ceremony, both physically and online.

Recalling the Difficult Journey of NSU’s Establishment

Reflecting on the university’s remarkable transformation, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar recalled the challenging circumstances under which NSU began reclaiming its institutional identity and physical space.

"There was a time when National Skills University Islamabad could not even enter this auditorium where the ceremony was held. We would occasionally get just ten minutes to visit the premises, and that too through the kind mediation of Mr. Mahmood Ul Hassan. Today, by the grace of Almighty Allah, we have reached a stage where every corner of this 26-acre campus belongs to the University and its people. Our students, faculty members and employees can now enjoy and utilize the entire campus around the clock, 24 hours a day. This transformation is a matter of immense satisfaction and pride."

He emphasized that this transformation was the result of years of persistent efforts, institutional rebuilding, determination and countless sacrifices. During his founding tenure, he worked relentlessly to restore the institutional identity, develop the infrastructure, strengthen academic programs, establish international linkages and secure global recognition for NSU. He praised the efforts of Mr. Muhammad Ali Wallan the former Registrar and Director Planning and Engr. Arfan Ullah who worked day and night in the restoration of this campus.

He particularly highlighted NSU's recognition and engagement with UNESCO-UNEVOC, the international center for technical and vocational education and training, and the European Training Foundation (ETF), which acknowledged NSU's contribution and potential as a Centre of Vocational Excellence. These international recognitions helped position the University on the global TVET landscape and strengthened Pakistan's presence in the international skills development community.

A Message of Unity, Collaboration and Institutional Continuity

While extending his greetings to every faculty member, officer, employee and student of NSU, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar urged the entire university community to work collectively and strengthen the governance and institutional development initiatives being pursued under the leadership of Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Saud Altaf.

He stated that universities are built not merely through infrastructure and buildings but through committed people, professional integrity, teamwork, transparent governance and a shared institutional vision.

He expressed confidence that the present leadership would consolidate the achievements of the past and take NSU to new heights through collaborative decision-making, academic excellence, innovation and effective institutional management.

NSU Sarmad Tanveer Campus: The Heart and Brain of the University

Drawing particular attention to the Sarmad Tanveer Campus, Muridke, the Founding Vice Chancellor described it as the "heart and brain of NSU", emphasizing that it deserves greater institutional attention, strategic investment and continued development.

He recalled the numerous sacrifices, challenges, threats and difficult circumstances faced during the establishment and development of the campus. The journey, he noted, was not easy, and many individuals worked tirelessly to secure the University's institutional space and future. He particularly praised the efforts of Dr. Bilawal Rehman, in the sustenance of this campus and once again the leadership of Engr Arfan Ullah and Mr. Mahmood ul Hassan.

"We made too many sacrifices, faced extraordinary challenges and overcame circumstances that were not always favorable. Today, the passage is clear. The foundation has been laid, the institutional identity has been established, and the University has secured its place. It is now up to the present NSU leadership and the entire university community to carry this legacy forward and run the institution smoothly, successfully and sustainably."

He stressed that the Muridke campus also has enormous potential to emerge as a model of skills-based education, entrepreneurship, industry engagement and community empowerment, particularly for young people in the surrounding industrial and semi-urban regions.

A Shared Legacy and a Promising Future

Concluding his message, Prof. Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar congratulated Prof. Dr. Saud Altaf and his entire team on this important achievement and appreciated Chairman NAVTTC Engineer Qamar-ul-Islam Raja for his commitment to strengthening Pakistan's TVET sector through international partnerships.

He observed that the inauguration of the NAVTTC-China Centre of Excellence represents more than the establishment of a training facility; it reflects the continuation of a national mission to empower young Pakistanis through practical skills, technological competence and meaningful employment opportunities.

He reaffirmed his goodwill and best wishes for the National Skills University, expressing hope that the present leadership would continue to build upon the institutional foundations, international recognition and development initiatives established during its formative years.

According to Prof. Emeritus Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Rector, University of Southern Punjab, Multan, Pakistan

"NSU is not merely an institution; it is a mission. We have struggled to establish it, sacrificed to protect it and worked tirelessly to earn its national and international recognition. Today, it belongs to its students, faculty and employees. Let us work together, respect its legacy and make it a truly outstanding institution for the youth of Pakistan."