A female student of a private university located on Raiwind Road in Lahore’s Nawab Town area jumped from the rooftop.
According to the police, the 21-year-old student jumped from the second floor of the building and was shifted to the hospital in critical condition.
The police said that Nawab Town police reached the spot and have initiated proceedings.
Police further stated that a few days earlier, a male student of the same university had also died by suicide after jumping from the fourth floor.
According to the police, the female student is enrolled in the D-Pharm program and is a resident of Narang Mandi in the Sheikhupura district. The university administration closed the institution following the incident. – ERMD
Professor Paul Yip Siu-fai of the University of Hong Kong has stepped down as an associate dean after the school found a paper he co-authored contained fake AI-generated references. HKU, ranked 11th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026, confirmed on Wednesday that “certain citations” in a paper by Yip and his doctoral student Bai Yiming included non-existent publications generated by AI.
Yip apologized on behalf of himself and Bai, saying the lead author had used AI to assist with referencing but failed to verify the citations, and that he only learned of the issue after the allegations circulated online.
Yip has also stepped down as associate dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and withdrawn from research committees at both the faculty and university levels, the South China Morning Post reported.
It emerged last month that at least 20 of the 61 references in the paper titled “Forty years of fertility transition in Hong Kong,” published on Oct. 17 with Yip listed as the corresponding author, appeared to cite non-existent publications, prompting HKU to launch a formal inquiry.
Springer Nature, the journal’s publisher, issued an online retraction note earlier this week, acknowledging that the editorial office had overlooked the verification of the references.
HKU said it would introduce mandatory training and assessments for all researchers to ensure strict compliance with academic integrity rules related to artificial intelligence.
“HKU reiterates its commitment to rigorous academic and research standards,” the university said. “All researchers at HKU are required to ensure their work meets internationally recognised benchmarks for quality and ethical conduct.”
Yip is a prominent academic in Hong Kong and has held influential advisory and leadership roles within government and semi-government bodies, particularly in public health, suicide prevention, and education.
He currently serves on the Advisory Committee on Mental Health under the Health Bureau and previously chaired the Committee on Prevention of Student Suicides, established by the Education Bureau in 2016. – ERMD
The 4th International Conference on Sustainable Development in Civil Engineering (ICSDC-2025) commenced today at Mehran University Jamshoro. The event, organized by the Department of Civil Engineering in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), has emerged as a flagship platform for advancing civil engineering research and practice.
Dr. Fateh Mohammad Mari, Vice Chancellor of Sindh University Jamshoro, attended the conference as the chief guest, accompanied by Dr. Aneel Kumar, Pro Vice Chancellor of Mehran University Jamshoro. The theme for this year’s conference is “AI-Driven Multidisciplinary Innovations for a Resilient and Sustainable Built Environment.”
Organizers emphasized that ICSDC-2025 aims to provide a platform for presenting and discussing cutting-edge research and innovations in civil engineering. The conference offers delegates the opportunity to exchange novel ideas, share experiences, establish research and business collaborations, and engage with global partners for future initiatives.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Fateh Mohammad Mari highlighted the critical role of civil engineering in national development. “Since 1947, civil engineering has significantly contributed to the growth of the country. With the challenges of population growth, climate change, and technological advancements, civil engineering has become more complex and demanding. Sustainable development has therefore become a key consideration in every sector’s progress,” he said.
Dr. Mari also underscored the importance of time management in project execution, noting that delays often result in compromised project scope and cost overruns. He stressed the need for civil engineers, educators, and students to familiarize themselves with advanced construction project management techniques. Additionally, he emphasized compliance with environmental and social regulations as critical aspects of project planning and management.
Dr. Aneel Kumar, Chief Patron of the conference, highlighted the evolving nature of sustainability in civil engineering. “While civil engineering structures have always been integral to sustainability, rapid changes in industry and customer expectations demand continuous improvement. New technologies, especially artificial intelligence, are transforming design and construction processes, reshaping the dimensions of sustainability,” he said.
Dr. Kumar further explained that sustainable development means meeting today’s needs without compromising the needs of future generations. This includes the use of green materials, recycling industrial by-products, efficient building techniques, and low-carbon construction. “Civil engineers play a vital role in minimizing environmental impact while supporting economic and social development. This is challenging, given rapid urban growth, climate change, and limited natural resources. Achieving sustainable solutions requires cooperation and innovation, strong linkages between government, industry, and academia, and the smart application of AI and data analytics for resilient infrastructure,” he added.
The ICSDC series, initiated in 2017, has grown steadily into a signature event for civil engineering in Pakistan. ICSDC-2025 continues this legacy, emphasizing sustainable and resilient solutions through collaboration, innovation, and technological integration. – ER Report
Dawood University of Engineering & Technology (DUET) is set to host its 1st Alumni Excellence Award Ceremony 2025 on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the DUET Main Campus Auditorium, Karachi.
The prestigious event will be held under the patronage of Engr. Prof. Dr. Samreen Hussain (S.I., T.I.), Vice Chancellor of DUET, and organized by the Directorate of Alumni Affairs to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of DUET alumni across various professional fields.
Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Ms. Sultana Siddiqui, President and Founder of HUM Network Ltd., will attend as the Guest of Honor.
The ceremony aims to acknowledge alumni who have made significant contributions to industry, academia, entrepreneurship, public service, and society at large, while also strengthening the bond between the university and its alumni community.
The evening will feature award presentations, cultural performances by DUET students, and the conferral of a Lifetime Achievement Award, followed by a networking dinner. A special session will also mark the launch of the Dawood North America Alumni Chapter (DNAAC), highlighting DUET’s growing global alumni engagement.
University officials, alumni, faculty members, students, and distinguished guests from various sectors are expected to attend the landmark event, making it a significant milestone in DUET’s alumni relations and institutional legacy. – ER
PAKISTAN – Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development
The Energy and Environmental Engineering Research Group of Mehran University of Engineering & Technology (MUET), Jamshoro, is organizing its 8th International Conference on Energy, Environment, and Sustainable Development with the theme “Digital Innovation for Climate Resilience and Sustainability” on March 24 and 25, 2026.
The Conference Chair and Conference Secretary, Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain and Dr. Shoaib Ahmed Khatri, respectively, have invited papers on 10 designated topics by December 15, 2025.
The topics include: Renewable Energy Development Energy Efficiency & Sustainable Practices Climate Change & Environmental Resilience AI-integrated Sustainable Development and Policy Resource Management & Circular Economy Biodiversity & Ecosystems Conservation Food Security and Agriculture Public Health & Socioeconomic Development Digital Technologies for Environmental Monitoring AI/IoT-based Energy Management
A Malaysian biomedical engineering graduate has made history by winning the prestigious Global Undergraduate Awards for the second consecutive year, according to a statement from Queen Mary University of London.
Balvinder Dhillon is the only recipient to achieve the rare double win in the engineering category.
The Global Undergraduate Awards, often referred to as the “Junior Nobel Prize”, is regarded as the world’s leading recognition programme for undergraduate research. It enables winners to showcase their work globally and build connections in academia and industry.
For her winning entry, Balvinder authored a paper titled “Developing a Multimodal Deep Learning Pipeline for Automated Glioma Subregion Segmentation and 3D Reconstruction with Integrated Spatial Analysis for Clinical Insight”.
Her fourth-year project in London combined artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and healthcare, and was supervised by Professor Zion Tse and Dr Hadi Sadati.
Out of 3,567 entries submitted from 352 universities across 99 countries, Balvinder’s work ranked among the top 1% of submissions worldwide.
Now pursuing studies in Human and Biological Robotics in London, Balvinder was praised by her supervisor Professor Tse as a highly motivated and dedicated student.
“She sets ambitious goals and approaches them with real determination and focus,” he said in the statement.
Tse added that Balvinder also demonstrated strong organisational and leadership skills in managing her final-year design project, working effectively with a team through clear communication. – Courtesy TS
KARACHI: NED University of Engineering & Technology has strengthened its industry collaboration with the signing of two new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during its recent job fair. One MoU was signed with Pakistan Machine Tool Factory, a major industry recovering from recent challenges, and the other with global technology company Logitech. Both agreements aim at long-term collaboration to provide internships, training, and employment opportunities for students.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Muhammad Tufail highlighted the significant impact on graduate employment, noting that the presence of multiple companies under one roof increases the employment rate from the usual 5–8 percent to 20–25 percent during such events.
The job fair brought together 51 companies, offering students internships and graduates immediate job prospects. On-site interviews and talent assessments provided a direct platform for industry-academia engagement, further consolidating NED University’s commitment to bridging the gap between education and employment.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi attended the Convocation of COMSATS University, Wah Campus, as the chief guest and called the graduating students “the bright future of Pakistan.”
Addressing the ceremony, the Minister said that education remains the most powerful asset of any nation, and Pakistan’s progress is directly tied to modern research, innovation, and a strong intellectual base among its youth.
He emphasized that the country urgently needs creative, modern, and scientific ideas from young professionals to strengthen Pakistan’s technology landscape, economic growth, and global competitiveness. “Our youth are the real strength of the nation and have the potential to drive technological advancement, economic development, and social harmony,” he remarked.
Congratulating the graduates, Khalid Hussain Magsi called them the “architects of Pakistan’s future” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding opportunities in science, technology, and research. He said new initiatives are being introduced to help young people enhance their skills and prepare for emerging global challenges.
The Minister urged the students to use their knowledge for national development and to represent Pakistan positively in the international arena. – ER News Desk
Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design & Heritage, Sukkur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MariEnergies, marking a significant step toward strengthening academic–industry collaboration, promoting innovation, and supporting sustainable development. The agreement was formalized on 11 November 2025 at MariEnergies’ Head Office in Islamabad.
The partnership aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by fostering technical learning, hands-on training, and professional readiness among students—particularly those from underprivileged yet talented backgrounds. Through this alliance, both institutions intend to equip future professionals with emerging technologies and practical expertise in art, architecture, design, and related fields, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s evolving socio-economic landscape.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. Zahid Hussain Khand, Vice Chancellor of Aror University, and Mr. Naseem Qamar, Director HSE/CSR at MariEnergies. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr. Manzoor Ali (Additional Director P&D, Aror University) and Mr. Asghar Naveed (Manager ESG & Sustainability, MariEnergies). Other distinguished attendees included Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Morai (Director Operations, MariEnergies), Mrs. Fozia (CHRO/Director HRM, MariEnergies), and Mr. Muhammad Hassan (Officer Sustainability & CSR, MariEnergies).
About Aror University of Art, Architecture, Design & Heritage, Sukkur
Aror University is a specialized public-sector institution dedicated to the disciplines of art, architecture, design, culture, and heritage studies. Located near Sukkur, the university aims to preserve traditional knowledge while promoting modern design education and research. With a focus on creativity, innovation, and cultural identity, Aror University offers academic programs that blend historical understanding with contemporary practice, preparing students for careers in creative industries, heritage management, and design-led development.
About MariEnergies
MariEnergies is a growing energy-sector company focused on sustainable and responsible exploration, production, and energy management solutions. With an expanding portfolio across onshore and offshore exploration blocks, the company places strong emphasis on environmental stewardship, HSE compliance, community development, and corporate social responsibility. Through its ESG-driven initiatives, MariEnergies supports education, skill development, and socio-economic uplift, while contributing to Pakistan’s long-term energy security. – ER News Desk
CodeSphere 2.0 — Project Exhibition was organized today by the Department of Software Engineering at NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi.
As many as 25 projects were showcased, highlighting the creativity, technical expertise, and problem-solving capabilities of the university’s emerging software engineers.
Experts from the software industry visited the exhibition, reviewed various technical aspects of the projects, and provided valuable feedback and guidance to students. The participating project teams included students from all batches of the department, demonstrating that not only final-year students but also undergraduates from junior years are actively engaged in practical, project-based learning at the university.
The projects spanned a wide range of cutting-edge domains, including blockchain, application development, cybersecurity, and sustainable digital solutions.
Speaking about the event, Prof. Dr. Shehnila Zardari, Chairperson of the Department of Software Engineering, said, “CodeSphere 2.0 is more than just an exhibition—it is a celebration of ideas, collaboration, and the problem-solving spirit that defines our discipline.”
She added that the projects reflect the diversity and depth of modern software engineering, exemplifying students’ ability to merge theoretical knowledge with practical implementation, guided by sound engineering principles and user-centered design approaches.
The exhibition provided students with valuable opportunities to engage with peers, faculty, and industry professionals, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. “Through mentorship, teamwork, and iterative development, our students have demonstrated the skills essential for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape—technical expertise, adaptability, leadership, and ethical responsibility,” Dr. Zardari remarked.