LAHORE: (Monday, December 19, 2022): Punjab University School of Chemistry’s Centre for Research in Ionic Liquids (CRIL) has launched the Post-Graduate diploma (PGD) in Chemistry and Entrepreneurship. Under the patronage of PU VC Dr Asghar Zaidi, it's the first of its kind program in Pakistan to inculcate the urge of developing entrepreneurial skills in Chemistry graduates. In the launching ceremony Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairman Prof Dr Shahid Munir, Faculty of Geo Sciences Dean Prof Dr Sajid Rashid, School of Chemistry Head Prof Dr Abdul Qadir, Director CRIL Dr Maliha Uroos, Professor Emeritus Dr Jamil Anwar, faculty members and students were also present.
In his address, Dr Shahid Munir lauded the efforts of CRIL for the initiative and highlighted the importance of initiation of such programs under current economic crisis of the country where job market was shrinking every passing day. He urged the need of setting up the own business by graduates through spin off companies based on local market demands of the country.
Dr Maliha Uroos thanked all who have contributed from establishment to the launch of this program. All distinguished speakers and guests highlighted and appreciated the practical importance of this diploma in comparison to our traditional theoretical based programs. In the pioneer batch 30 students have been enrolled, for which an orientation session was arranged after the launching ceremony.
Director PU BIC Dr Sania Zahra Malik, Senior Vice President Women Chamber of Commerce & Industries Neelofar Sikandar, Executive Director & Chairman, Standing Committee, Industry-Academia Linkages, Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industries Dr Shahid Raza, Director IEECE and President ASA Engr Prof Dr Muhammad Azhar Naeem, Coordinator PU Blended Learning Program & DG-IT Prof Dr Kamran Abid, Prof Dr Farah Rauf Shakoori, Prof Dr Ahmad Bilal, Dr Asrar Chishti and others also congratulated and appreciated the initiative taken by the PU CRIL.