QUETTA    -   The Virtual University of Pakistan on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three universities of the region to empower Southern Balochistan.

The universities include the University of Gwadar, the University of Turbat, and the Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology, Khuzdar.  The MoU was signed by the Rector Virtual University of Pakistan, Prof Dr Arshad Saleem and the Vice-Chancellors; Prof Dr Abdul Razzaq Sabir, Vice Chancellors; University of Gwadar, Prof Dr Jan Muhammad, Vice Chancellor University of Turbat and Dr Ehsanullah Kakar, Vice Chancellor Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology, Khuzdar, at Virtual University campus.

Prof Dr Arshad Saleem said that the accord would help in uplifting the educational standards of Balochistan, particularly its southern part. He said that the Virtual University and the three partner institutions would collaborate in academic programs by sharing/extending the facilities to students and faculty along with sharing of academic data, publications, and information.

Development of joint academic programs/trainings under the “Digital Skills Training and Support Program for Southern Balochistan” of the Virtual University of Pakistan, access to laboratories, provision of space/building for establishing labs/office and accommodating the mobile/smart bio labs of the virtual university at the partner universities would be the main focus, he said.

Moreover, providing necessary facilities, exchange of faculty and students for academic and research purposes, joint conferences, seminars, workshops, and other such activities are the salient features of this accord, the rector added.