GIK, 99 Tech Pvt. Ltd sign accord

SWABI: In a bid to foster academic excellence and equitable access to education for talented needy students, the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology and 99 Technologies Pvt. Ltd established a ‘One-Chair Endowment Fund’ worth Rs10 million on Wednesday.

An MoU was signed at a ceremony here which was attended by Engr. Salim Saifullah Khan, president SOPREST, Shakil Durrani, executive director, Prof Dr S M Hasan Zaidi acting rector, GIK Institute, Sardar Aminullah Khan, pro-rector (administration), Barrister Habil Ahmed Khan (president, GIKI Alumni Association. Safiuddin, CTO, Waleed Chattha, and Irfan Ahmad, secretary SOPREST.

The initiative, undertaken with the efforts of the GIK Alumni Association, aligns with Pakistan’s national development agenda and global sustainability targets, emphasising the critical role of education in driving socio-economic progress.

“The signing of the agreement underscores a shared commitment to empowering Pakistan’s youth through merit-based scholarships and advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” said an official.

Salim Saifullah Khan, president of GIK Institute parent body, Society for the Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan (SOPREST) said: “This partnership is a great gesture and exemplifies our vision to nurture talent and innovation. By bridging industry, Alumni, and academia, we are not only investing in individuals but in the future of Pakistan.”

Safiuddin, chief technology Officer of 99 Technologies, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to social responsibility: “Education is the cornerstone of progress. Through this endowment, we aim to create pathways for deserving students to thrive in engineering fields, who otherwise can’t afford to study in the educational institutions like GIKI. The beneficiaries will ultimately contribute to Pakistan’s technological advancement,” he added.

Shakil Durrani, executive director SOPREST, lauded the voluntary charity by 99 Technologies which would continuously benefit the outstanding students.Prof Dr S M Hasan Zaidi, acting Rector GIK Institute said: “This fund is a testament to our resolve to make world-class education accessible. It will inspire excellence and uphold GIK’s legacy of producing leaders who drive change.”