Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization SALU

Dr. Naveed Wali Khan, Head of Quality Assurance at Biomass Pakistan Ltd., visited the Directorate of ORIC at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, to explore avenues of research collaboration between SALU and Biomass Pakistan. The meeting was held as a follow-up to the recently signed MoU between SALU and SEZMC, concluded under the visionary leadership and guidance of the Vice Chancellor, Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk

During the visit, Dr. Naveed Wali Khan was accompanied by Dr. Rafaqat Hussain Arain and Dr. Munir Qazi visited the laboratories of the Institute of Microbiology and Date palm research institute Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur. A detailed discussion was held with the Director of the Institute of Microbiology, Prof. Dr. Mir Muhammad Ali Talpur and Dr. Amir Mallah. As an outcome of the meeting, Dr. Naveed Wali Khan announced that Biomass Pakistan Ltd. is willing to offer internship opportunities to students of microbiology, with the potential for future placement in suitable positions within the organization.

The visit marks a significant step toward strengthening academia–industry linkages and fostering collaborative research initiatives.

Academic Research to Reach Markets: SALU–SEZMC Collaboration Promises Real-World Impact

Press Release
08-12-2025

In a ceremony held at the Khairpur Special Economic Zone (KSEZ), Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, and the Sindh Economic Zones Management Company (SEZMC) signed a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This strategic partnership is designed to dismantle traditional barriers between academia and industry, aiming to fuel innovation, skill development, and regional economic growth.

The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration, focusing on curriculum development, joint research, internship programs, and the commercialization of academic research to solve industrial challenges.

The agreement was formally executed by Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr Yousuf Khushk, and Fareed Ahmed Shaikh, Chief Technical Officer of SEZMC. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Prof. Dr. Wahid Bux Jatoi, Pro-Vice Chancellor of SALU, Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Shaikh, Dean of the Faculty of Physical Sciences at SALU, and Muhammad Ali Mahesar on behalf of SEZMC. Both organizations confirmed their legal authority to enter into the MoU and guaranteed compliance with all relevant regulations.

Speaking at the signing, SALU’s Vice Chancellor, Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk, outlined the university’s proactive approach. "This era demands robust linkages," stated Dr. Khushk. "We have approved the inclusion of industry practitioners in our Boards of Studies because you know the field's real issues. You can help us design courses that truly benefit industry and society."

He emphasized moving beyond paperwork, pledging sustained engagement. "We will organize industry expert lectures and ensure this collaboration is memorable for society. With over 9,000 talented students across our campuses, we invite you to visit the university and witness students potential especially during project exhibitions."

Echoing the commitment to youth empowerment, SEZMC Chief Technical Officer, Mr. Fareed Ahmed Shaikh, addressed the critical need for opportunity. "We must ask why talented faculty and graduates leave the country. It is our responsibility to provide a platform," he said. "This MoU is a step towards making our youth productive, enhancing their skills, especially in wake of AI, and connecting them with investors seeking new ideas."

Deans and senior faculty from across SALU’s disciplines highlighted specific collaborative avenues.

Professor Dr. Noor Ahmed Shaikh (Physical Sciences) noted that industry collaboration would "polish" graduate skills, while Professor Dr. Minhoon Khan Laghari (Management Sciences) foresaw expanded opportunities.

Professor Dr. Akhtiar Ali Ghumro and Professor Dr. Irum Rani (QEC) proposed connecting M.Phil and PhD research directly to industry-identified problems, such as improving date quality affected by rains and floods, a challenge highlighted by a SEZ representative.

Professor Dr. Barkat Bhayo advocated for integrating "Industrial Mathematics" into undergraduate programs with industry input. Dr. Raffaqat Arain pointed to university expos displaying AI projects as a ready platform for industry evaluation and collaboration.

The ceremony saw broad participation from SALU faculty members and officials, including Professor Dr Mushtaque Ali Jakhrani, Professor Dr Masiuallah Jatoi, Professor Dr Samina Rajpar, Dr Munir Ahmed Qazi, Dr Raffaqat Arain, Professor Dr Abdul Sami Shaikh, Dr Sahib Oad, Waseem Kalhoro, Aijaz Mahar, Raza Bhutto, and others. The role of Dr. Muhammad Hanif Tunio as the Principal Coordinator and Facilitator of the MoU was particularly commended.

Representing SEZMC, key officials including Muhammad Ali Mahesar (Zone Operation Manager, KSEZ) and Agha Maseehullah Khan (Focal Person for Industry-Academia Linkages) were present, underscoring the operational commitment to this partnership.

The MoU outlines five core objectives central to the partnership. These include promoting academic-industry collaboration through joint research and knowledge exchange; enhancing capacity building via specialized training programs and workshops; fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting startups and innovative ideas; facilitating curriculum development aligned with industry needs to provide practical exposure; and enabling advisory engagement of academic experts in SEZMC initiatives where required.

Cooperation between the two institutions will span several key areas. These encompass collaborative research and development to address industrial challenges, facilitating industry engagement through internships and consultancy, organizing training programs to upskill students, faculty, and SEZMC employees, providing entrepreneurship support via startup incubation and mentorship, and contributing to economic zone development through joint research and planning support.

Later, Vice Chancellor along with his team visited the zones of different units, including:
1. Biomasdar Pakistan Ltd. (Extracting oils, natural flavors, and colors from fresh crops like garlic, onion, Zera, and chili.) factory
2. Al-Rahim Agro Processing Pvt Ltd. (Fruit / Pulp Processing Industry (Tomato Raw Paste, Mango & Guava pulp etc)
3. Ovais Shamim Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. (Warehouse & Cold Storage Facilities)

The MoU sets the stage for a transformative alliance, where SALU’s academic and research prowess will align directly with the practical needs and growth objectives of Sindh’s economic zones, aiming to create a sustainable talent pipeline and innovative solutions for the province’s development.

Dr Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur

Dr. Rafaqat Hussain Arain Contributed as Guest Expert in FYDP Exhibition at MUET, SZAB Campus, Khairpur. Gratitude is expressed to Dr. Abdul Qayoom Memon, Director ORIC, MUET SZAB Campus for extending the invitation.

"Strengthening Public and private sector universities in Sindh for participation in international rankings"
One day workshop organized by Sindh HEC in collaboration with Salim Habib University Karachi.

"Writing winning research grant proposals"
Workshop organized by ORIC-SALU

Dear All,

It is to inform you all with immense pleasure that Dr. Rafaqat Hussain Arain has joined as the Focal Person of the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization SALU with the transfer of Prof. Dr. Samina Rajper as she has joined the Institute of Computer Science as the Director.

Contact Details of Dr. Rafaqat Hussain Arain are as under.

Contact No: 0345 8822562
Email Address: [email protected]
Official ORIC Email Address: [email protected]

Under the kind patronage of our Worthy Vice Chancellor, Meritorious Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yousif Khushk, I had a productive meeting as focal person ORIC, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, with Ms. Zahid Abbasi, Secretary Education and Literacy, Government of Sindh.

Our discussion focused on creating meaningful internship and training opportunities for SALU students. I sincerely appreciate Ms. Abbasi’s support and commitment towards enabling our students to gain valuable exposure, hands-on experience, and direct engagement with government institutions.

ORIC remains dedicated to fostering strong industry-academia linkages and opening new avenues for student growth and professional development.

Seminar on How to Apply for HEC Research Awards 2025

Under the kind patronage of the Worthy Vice Chancellor, Meritorious Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khushk, the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC), Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Samina Rajper, organized an awareness session on the HEC Research Awards 2025.

The session was graced by the presence of Prof. Dr. Agha Nadia, Winner of the 9th HEC Research Award, as the resource person. She guided the participants on:
✅ Objectives and importance of the HEC Research Awards 2025
✅ Eligibility criteria and award categories
✅ Step-by-step application process through the HEC portal
✅ Preparation of high-quality research proposals and publications
✅ Clarification of deadlines, required documents, and evaluation criteria

We are especially thankful to Prof. Dr. Masihullah Jatoi for joining the seminar as Guest of Honour and encouraging the participants with his valuable presence.

Faculty members from BBSUT Khairpur, Technical University Khairpur, and Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur actively participated in the seminar.
This session provided valuable insights and direct interaction opportunities for faculty, researchers, and postgraduate students aspiring to apply for the prestigious HEC Research Awards 2025.

ORIC, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, is committed to creating an enabling ecosystem for students’ skills development and the transformation of their potential into innovation and global leadership.
Thanks to the kind guidance of our Vice Chancellor, Meritorious Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yousuf Khushk, we welcomed Mr. Mehboob Ali Shar, CEO of Icreativez, whose mission is to inspire and uplift youth through the Icreativez Technical Skills Development Drive.

Together, SALU and Icreativez are joining hands through an upcoming MoU to bring new opportunities, innovation, and growth for our students. The future belongs to those who dare to create it

Strengthening ORIC Collaboration Across Institutions

Under the kind patronage of worthy vice chancellor Meritorious Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yusuf Khushk ORIC SALu is striving for research and academic collaborations to develop a research excellence ecosystem .Today, Mr. Ghulam Abbas Junejo (Director ORIC, Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Technical and Skill Development University, Khairpur), along with Dr. Imdadullah Thaheem (Advisor to Vice Chancellor) and Mr. Irfan Memon, held a productive meeting with Prof. Dr. Samina Rajper, Focal Person ORIC, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur

The meeting focused on the exchange of valuable insights and experiences to enhance ORIC functions, with particular emphasis on fostering robust industry-academia linkages and promoting innovation, commercialization, and collaborative research across higher education institutions (HEIs).