LAHORE: (Friday, October 3, 2014): Punjab University Department of Space Science has signed memorandums of understandings with Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) and Urban Unit, Government of the Punjab separately to collaborate in space science and sharing emerging technologies and expertise.

The ceremony was held at Committee Room of Vice Chancellor’s Office in which PU VC Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran, Chairman SUPARCO Maj Gen (R) Ahmed Bilal, Chief Executive Officer Urban Unit Dr Nasir Javed, Chairman Department of Space Science Dr Syed Amer Mahmood, Director External Linkages Assistant Prof Dr Maria Maldonado, senior faculty members and officials were present on the occasion. Addressing the ceremony, Dr Mujahid Kamran said that the MoU would help strengthen M Phil & PhD program at the university and students would find excellent career opportunities.

He said that PU would benefit from the strengths and qualities of SUPARCO and hoped that mutual relations would improve further. Chairman SUPARCO Maj Gen (R) Ahmed Bilal said that SUPARCO was established in 1961 to conduct research and development in space technology. He said that SUPARCO was working towards developing indigenous capabilities in space technology and promoting space applications for socio-economic uplift of the country. He said that the new generation must know how important the space technology for development of the country was. He said that the development in space sciences was not possible with mutual cooperation between universities and institutions and SUPARCO wanted to get benefit from the research work of universities. Urban Unit’s CEO Dr Nasir Javed said that Urban Unit and PU would cooperate for urban development, share technical expertise and discuss latest developments in the field. Under the MoU, the signatories would exchange ideas, technical assistance and research, organize training workshops and provide internship and job opportunities.