PIDE New Campus
The acquiring of a site for the new campus, and getting construction started, is of the highest priority. There is a relation between the body and the spirit. The current body of PIDE is perfectly matched to a research institution, but not at all to a university. Correspondingly, the spirit of the existing faculty & researchers is not focussed on the newly created university, but rather attached to the original conception of PIDE as a research institute. Once we move to a real campus, this situation will change, and the university function will come to dominate. The location, and the campus construction will decisively shape the future of PIDE.
SITES VISITED: On Friday 17th January, many faculty members visited the proposed sites for our new campus: two at Kurri Road, and one at H11/3 opposite Police Lines, near Police Academy. Most preferred the H11/3 site Friday visit to sites on Kurri Road and H11/3 Site next to Police Academy led to near consensus on H11/3. Dua of Istikhara made at H11/3 site to request Allah T'aala for guidance to right decision. I discussed the matter with Professor Ehsan Iqbal. I also requested that our allotment should be increased to 50 acres to be in line with the vision of a world class center of excellence for PIDE. He agreed to this, and asked me to send in a request to this effect. Process for acquisition of land is under way.
Architecture of New Campus: It is now understand that the shape of building shapes interactions, and different types of architecture are suitable for different functions. Several modern companies have made radical innovations in design. I would be very interested in acquiring information on the latest ideas in these directions, as an input to design of the new campus. Professor Ehsan Iqbal has also agreed to help me look into this – this is an area far outside my own knowledge base.
FUNDING: Construction is to be funded by Govt. Of Pakistan via Planning Commission and/or HEC. However, supplementary funds can also be arranged by us. As planned, a committee has visited Ms. Rita Akhtar of USAID and submitted a report. Although they did not appear too keen on supporting building, they would be interesting in getting us visiting faculty, and are very interested in improving writing skills of our students. A writing lab may be arranged. Rita Akhtar will be visiting us in February, after classes start, and there may be further developments after they get to know us better. We are also planning to approach Korean and Japanese development agencies, KOICA and JAYCA as potential sources for funding, for Endowed Chairs and other support for our new campus.