On November 14, 2024, the Honourable Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inaugurated two significant projects at Pak-Austria Fachhochschule: Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST): the School of Paramedical Sciences and a state-of-the-art Technology Park.
The School of Paramedical Sciences, a Rs. 283 million initiative, is set to address regional healthcare needs by producing a skilled workforce in the medical field. The Technology Park, backed by a Rs. 992 million investment, aims to establish a dynamic ecosystem for technological innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. These projects reflect the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s dedication to advancing quality education and strengthening the province’s healthcare and technology sectors.
Speaking at the event, the Rector of PAF-IAST highlighted the Institute’s founding mission of bridging the gap between academia and industry by producing industry-ready graduates. He credited Prof. Dr. Atta ur Rehman, the visionary behind the Institute, and Prof. Dr. Nasser Ali Khan, Project Director, for their commitment to realizing this vision. The project was approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government in 2018, and, through the tireless efforts of Prof. Dr. Nasser Ali Khan, the campus was completed within two years by 2020. Today, PAF-IAST offers 38 programs aligned with international standards across Engineering, Computer Science, and Health Sciences, serving over 4,017 students, including 110 international students. With cutting-edge facilities, hands-on learning, and collaborations with top universities in Austria, Germany, the UK, and China, the Institute has become a vibrant hub of applied sciences and technology, fostering both innovation and excellence. The Rector also stated that 60 PAF-IAST students are set to participate in exchange programs in Europe, underscoring the Institute’s commitment to global academic engagement. He extended his gratitude to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for its continued support and guidance.
Mr. Meena Khan praised PAF-IAST’s leadership and urged other universities in the region to replicate this successful model. He emphasized the importance of investing in market-oriented academic programs. Mr. Omer Ayub Khan highlighted the Institute’s focus on emerging fields, including genetics, robotics, IT, and nanotechnology, and advocated for additional funding to establish a new Medical and Dental College at PAF-IAST.
In his address, the Chief Minister lauded PAF-IAST’s role in producing highly skilled graduates. He stressed that by investing in students’ natural talents and aligning their studies with their interests, the government is creating future assets for the country. Notably, he recognized that 38 percent of PAF-IAST’s student body is comprised of female students from remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—an achievement that promotes gender diversity in higher education. Encouraging the youth to set high aspirations, he announced a grant of Rs. 300 million to support the establishment of the Medical and Dental College at PAF-IAST, reinforcing the government’s commitment to expanding educational infrastructure in the province.
This inauguration marked a milestone for PAF-IAST as it continues its mission of advancing education in applied sciences and technology, with strong government support and partnerships with international institutions.
