Internship Opportunity For Final Semester / Year Students of AWKUM

 

AWKUM Students Attend Nexus Pakistan: Building Digital Connections Event at Hazara University, Mansehra

The University Advancement & Career Development Center of AWKUM facilitated students' visits to Hazara University in Mansehra to attend Nexus Pakistan: Building Digital Connections. Students from the departments of Microbiology, Computer Science, and Sociology, as well as the Institute of Business and Leadership (IBL), participated in this visit. 

During the event, AWKUM students showcased their innovative research products and projects, reflecting the university's academic excellence and research potential. The event also provided an excellent platform for students to interact with researchers, academicians, and innovators from across the country. These participating students also attended training sessions on the digital transformation of academia and research, thereby empowering the country's youth.

AWKUM students also visited the Vice Chancellor of Hazara University at the Vice Chancellor's office. The Honorable Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ikramullah Khan, welcomed AWKUM students at his office and interacted with them for some time. The vice chancellor encouraged them to take part in such kind of activities and grow professionally. Students of AWKUM sincerely thanked the Vice Chancellor of Hazara University for his humble and respectful interaction with them.  

                                                                                 Team

                                                                             UA&CDC

 

Abdul Wali Khan University launches University-Wide Soft Skills Development Program

The Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan launched University-Wide Soft Skills Development Program, initiated by the University Advancement & Career Development Center (UA&CDC). The initiative aims to equip students with essential competencies required to the market or job industry.

The program features a comprehensive series of activities beginning in April, focusing on soft skills development and Job Readiness & Employability Skills Training Series to enhance employability. The program will offer a wide range of sessions covering presentation skills, professional communication, time management, problem-solving, stress management, job hunting strategies and preparation sessions for competitive examinations, including CSS, PMS and other one paper exams conducted by KPPSC and FPSC.

On this occasion, the honorable Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Jameel Ahmad addressed the participants and shared his vision for the university. He emphasized the importance of holistic student development and highlighted plans for strengthening the Career Development Center of the university. He also outlined the establishment of a Business Park, envisioned as a state-of-the-art facility that will integrate career services, industry linkages, innovation support, and entrepreneurship development under one roof.

Dr. Muhammad Bilal, Director-UA&CDC shared a detailed calendar of activities to be carried out throughout the spring semester 2026. He talked about the rapid changes in knowledge economy and epistemology of knowledge that has been creating challenges for the students in academia and job market. In his discussion, the director connected the importance of this series of activities in overcoming the mentioned gaps that are faced by the students in the job market.  

AWKUM Hosts a Seminar on NFC and the Rightful Share of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Merged Areas and the Path to Progress

 

On Monday, December 1, 2025, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan hosted a Seminar on NFC and the Rightful Share of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Merged Areas and the Path to Progress at IBL-Hall, Garden Campus. Dr. Aamir Raza, from the Department of Political Science at the University of Peshawar, was the guest speaker. AWKUM’s three campuses, including Main, Timergara, and Pabbi, along with two blocks in the Garden Campus, were virtually connected. Affiliated colleges from across the entire Mardan Division, along with colleges in District Nowshera, were also linked.

University Advancement & Career Development Center (UA&CDC) and Institute of Business and Leadership (IBL) of AWKUM facilitated the event. Dr. Muhammad Bilal, Director UA&CDC, moderated the seminar. He introduced the guest speaker and chief guest, and briefed the audience on the other halls on AWKUM’s campuses and affiliated colleges, which were virtually connected to the event. 

Professor Dr. Jamil Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of AWKUM, delivered the opening remarks as the chief guest of the seminar. The vice chancellor stressed that if KP receives its rightful share through the NFC, it will strengthen higher education in the province. The Vice Chancellor also indicated that the merged districts of ex-FATA into KP are the ultimate sufferers, and that this situation could be improved if they receive the promised budget from the federal government. He further added that the merged districts of KP can be developed if education is strengthened across the merged areas.

Dr. Aamir Raza, the guest speaker, thoroughly discussed what NFC is and why it was formed. He explained the revenue sources of the federal government, such as income tax, customs duty, federal excise, sales tax, etc., and how the collected funds are supposed to be equally distributed among the provinces through a rationalized formula based on population. Dr. Aamir Raza discussed the federal government's vertical and horizontal division of funds among the provinces. The speaker, Dr. Aamir Raza, explained the NFC system, highlighting that the 7th NFC Award (2010) allocated 43% of resources to the federal government and 57% to provinces. He emphasized the need for a new NFC Award, citing the transfer of 15-18 departments to provinces after the 18th Amendment. He further discussed the issue of merged districts (ex-FATA) that K-P has not received its rightful share despite having a population of six million. The federal government had promised Rs 100 billion annually for development, but this promise has not been fulfilled. Dr. Raza warned that a lack of resources would hinder development, leading to extremism, poor law and order, and inadequate education and healthcare. He urged students to be informed citizens and participate in national discourse.

Dr. Syed Rashid Ali, Associate Professor of Sociology, concluded the session by remarking that the guest speaker educated the audience in straightforward language about NFC and its functions. He added that these kinds of events are essential for students of social sciences, primarily to raise awareness about the financial management of resources on an equal basis between the federal government of Pakistan and all provincial governments.

University Advancement & Career Development Center (UA&CDC) Organized A Seminar

 

A one-day seminar on “Unlock Global Research Opportunities and Make Your Career with HEC's IRSIP (International Research Support Initiative Program) Fellowship was organized for the PhD Students of the faculty of Social Sciences at the video conference room of the Main Campus of Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan. 

In the opening remarks, Dr. Syed Rashid Ali, Associate Professor of Sociology, highlighted the importance of such seminars, which equip PhD and even MPhil students with the skills needed to secure these scholarships. He stressed the need to conduct the IRSIP seminar regularly.

First, Dr. Muhammad Zahid (Chief Proctor AWKUM), an IRSIP fellow at the University of Bath, UK, thoroughly discussed the eligibility criteria of the IRSIP fellowship. During the discussion of the basic criteria for IRSIP, required documents, and the application procedure, Dr. Zahid explained each step in detail. He also described his own experience as an IRSIP fellow of HEC.

As a second speaker, Dr. Muhammad Bilal (Director, University Advancement & Career Development Center, AWKUM), an IRSIP fellow at the University of Toronto, Canada, spoke about how to obtain an IRSIP acceptance letter and about future career opportunities with the IRSIP fellowship. Dr. Bilal discussed how to write a well-structured email to a foreign professor and the possible responses from that professor. He also explained possible opportunities related to IRSIP, such as postdoctoral positions, jobs, and research projects.

Dr. Sanaullah, an Assistant Professor of Sociology, delivered closing remarks and praised the speakers' efforts and UA&CDC. Dr. Sanaullah also indicated that other scholarships should be brought up for discussion in future seminars. He further added that the students' interest in availing such opportunities is mandatory.

AWKUM-UA&CDC hosted a one-day seminar on Consultation with Stakeholders: Students’ Perspective on BS Program in Higher Education Institutions

 

A one-day seminar on Consultation with Stakeholders: Students’ Perspective on BS Program in Higher Education Institutions was jointly organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Foundation (KPEF) and Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM). The seminar was hosted by the University Advancement and Career Development Centre (UA&CDC) at the IBL Hall of AWKUM. The students and faculty of AWKUM and Women University Mardan attended the seminar. The principals, BS-Coordinators, and students from different government and private colleges of Mardan also participated in the event. It was a thorough session wherein the participants were given sufficient time to share their experiences with the BS program openly.

In the opening remarks, Professor Dr. Jameel Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of AWKUM, the Chief Guest, discussed the various education systems existing across countries. He emphasized the need to adapt and revise the curriculum's contents to meet the modern needs of society. The Vice Chancellor also spoke about modern methods of teaching, which are in great demand today. He further added that we need to follow a modular system of education, which is a flexible and student-centered approach. With this approach, students will find it easy, as it breaks down the learning process into smaller and manageable learning tasks.    

Dr. Bilal, Director of University Advancement and Career Development Centre, being the host of the seminar, spoke about promoting the culture of academic democracy in higher education institutions. He added that AWKUM believes in the learning-by-interaction process, which is why it hosted this seminar on the BS program to bridge the gap between the KP Education Foundation and government and private colleges in the Mardan periphery. 

Mr. Arif Shah, the Director of KP Education Foundation, welcomed the participants and appreciated their interest in attending the seminar. He thoroughly explained the aims and objectives of the KP Education Foundation in promoting higher education in the province. Mr. Arif Shah also showed some videos and pictures of the ongoing projects of KPEF, including the provision of scholarships to needy students and seminars aimed at strengthening the BS program in colleges across the province. 

In the closing remarks, Mr. Zariful Mani, the Managing Director of KP Education Foundation, appreciated the active participation of the participants, especially the students. He added that such debates are necessary to enhance students’ confidence level and can easily express their views on the problems they face in the BS program. Mr. Zariful Mani emphasized that the higher education ratio in the province is very low, with only six percent of students opting for higher education. He added that we need to do serious work on this to attract a larger number of students to higher education.

UA&CDC TEAM of AWKUM

Mr. Usman Shamrooz, Assistant Director UA&CDC

Mr. Attaurehman, Assistant Director UA&CDC

Dr. Muhammad Bilal, Director UA&CDC

 

PEPSI Co - Conducts Recruitment Drive at AWKUM

 

The PEPSI Co recruitment team, led by Mr. Abdul Mateen Fazal – MTO HR, along with Mr. Fahad Tahir – Assistant Manager HR, Mr. Safiullah – Quality Control Manager, and Mr. Babar Qamar – Sales Manager, conducted an on-campus recruitment drive at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) on June 17, 2025. The activity was organized to fill positions for Trainee Food Chemist and Management Trainee Officer (MTO) Sales.

During the recruitment process, 38 students were interviewed, and out of 13 shortlisted candidates, 4 Management Trainee Officers (MTOs) and 1 Trainee Food Chemist were selected for permanent positions. The HR team also provided valuable feedback to the participating students, offering guidance on how to improve their presentation and interview skills for future opportunities.

Mr. Abdul Mateen Fazal and his team also held discussions with the Director of the Career Development Centre (CDC) regarding future prospects, collaborations, and continued engagement for student career development.

The Director of IBL and the Chairman of the Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) were sincerely thanked for their support and facilitation in making the recruitment drive a success.

This collaboration reflects AWKUM’s ongoing commitment to providing career opportunities and professional growth for its students through strong industry linkages.

Career Fair Organized by Career Development Center at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan

 

The Career Development Center (CDC) of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), in collaboration with the Institute of Business and Leadership (IBL) and the District Administration / Youth Office, organized a Career Fair on April 23, 2025, at the Museum, Garden Campus. The event aimed to connect students and graduates with potential employers, offering them career-building opportunities and exposure to industry expectations.

A total of 26 organizations from various sectors — including education, information technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), accounting, and management firms — participated in the Career Fair. These organizations offered both job and internship opportunities, allowing students to submit their CVs, appear for interviews, and explore diverse career pathways.

The Career Fair had a meaningful impact by providing students and graduates with a professional platform to engage with employers, understand hiring trends, and gain insight into the requirements of different industries. It helped bridge the gap between academic training and professional practice.

Honorable Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zahir Shah graced the occasion as the chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the vital role of such initiatives in preparing students for the competitive job market. He highlighted that engaging students in real-time employer interaction fosters their confidence, improves communication skills, and provides direction for their future careers. He appreciated the efforts of the Career Development Center for organizing such a purposeful and well-coordinated event, and he extended his gratitude to all participating organizations for supporting the professional development of AWKUM students.

Mr. Zahir Shah, Group Leader, Mardan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and General Secretary, Markaz-e-Tanzeem Tajiran Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also addressed the gathering. He commended the University for building strong linkages between academia and industry and emphasized the importance of aligning academic curricula with market demands. He encouraged the students to actively seek opportunities for growth and assured the continued support of the local business community in promoting youth employment and entrepreneurship.

At the conclusion of the event, shields and certificates were distributed among the participating organizations and organizers in recognition of their valuable contributions and active participation in the Career Fair 2025.

AWKUM Celebrates 14th August with Green AWKUM, Green Pakistan Initiative

 

On 14^th August, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) marked Pakistan's Independence Day with a series of patriotic and environmentally-focused activities. The celebration began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem and a flag-hoisting ceremony. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tahir, Vice-Chancellor of AWKUM, delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing the importance of national unity and the role of education in nation-building. He highlighted that our independence was achieved through immense sacrifices and underscored that it is now our duty to work for the betterment of the country. Prayers for the prosperity of the nation and the University were also offered.

The event featured speeches and presentations by students, who expressed their love for the country through passionate performances of national anthems. Following the formal proceedings, the University Advancement Cell & Career Development Centre, in collaboration with the Directorate of Administrations, launched a plantation drive under the theme "Green AWKUM, Green Pakistan."

The plantation drive was supported by generous donations of plants from Arctic Associates-2, Walls Ice Cream Pakistan, and Zama Kor, with co-sponsorship from the District Youth Office Mardan. The drive was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, with active participation from faculty, staff, and students.

In his closing remarks, the Honorable Vice-Chancellor presented certificates of appreciation to the sponsors and students who contributed to the event's success. He emphasized the critical importance of plantation for the survival of future generations, announcing that the drive would continue throughout the week as part of the University's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

 

CDC in collaboration with QEC AWKUM, organized a session on “THE Impact Ranking Methodology”

 

The Career Development and University Advancement Cell in collaboration with Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, organized a session on “THE Impact Ranking Methodology” on October 24, 2022 at Conference Hall, Garden Campus. The session was attended by Heads of Departments and concerned Heads of Sections.

Dr. Jehangir Khan, University of Malakand conducted the session as resource person. He briefed the participants regarding the methodology of Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking. The session was completely interactive. The event was facilitated by Dr. Beenish Khurshid (Deputy Director, CDAC) and Mr. Shah Hussain Awan (Deputy Director QEC). In the end, Dr. Shaista Irshad Khan, Director (CDAC) and Director QEC, Mr. Sayim Sohail presented the shield to the resource person.