Introduction
Under the provision of the University of Baltistan Order 2016, clause 4. Powers and purpose of the University, subsection (viii) and (xvii) the university shall: institute programs for the exchange of students and teachers between the University and other universities, educational institutions and research organizations, inside as well as outside Pakistan” ; and “cooperate and build linkages with other universities, institutions, public authorities or private organizations, inside as well outside Pakistan, in such manner and for such purposes as it may prescribe”.
With formal functioning of University of Baltistan, in 2018 after arrival of the founding Vice Chancellor, realizing the potential and need of outreach for the new the university, the Directorate of External Linkages was established. The responsibility of Director External Linkages was assigned to Dr. Zakir Hussain Zakir as the founding Director. The directorate reached out expeditiously to create social space of the University among national and international institutions and organizations.
The directorate also strived to register the nascent university on different forums of university ranking. So far 60+ Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and letters of agreements have been signed. The primary aim of these MoUs were to introduce the University as a potential collaborating partner for academic linkages, research and development.
Dr. Shafqat Hussain
Director External Linkages
"We live in the global village of digital natives where survival in isolation is not a choice. Located in the highly significant geostrategic location and rich in natural resources and cultural heritage UOBS has enormous potential to attract national and international partners for collaborative joint R&D pursuits. The Directorate is committed and determined to tap these potentials and opportunities with support of our faculty members, management and academia."
director.external.linkages@uobs.edu.pk
Mission, Vision & Objectives
Mission
To create, strengthen, enrich and expand linkages with relevant national and international stakeholders prospective partners, for quality learning opportunities and research practices, through collaborative efforts so that the university becomes a basecamp of research, innovation and a learning site for knowledge creation..
Vision
An institution of higher learning known to global academia and development agencies as a trusted academic partner with whom institutions would feel proud to collaborate.
Objectives
- • Introduce the university as a highly potential academic institution for partnership for R&D in the contextually relevant resources and services
- • Beautify and enrich the real social image of the region and the country as the most beautiful and peaceful places rich in natural and cultural beauties and resources
- • Collaborate with prospective stakeholders for partnership endeavors in learning, research and development
- • Build and maintain a strong link of collaborative efforts with communities and partners for the betterment of the University and the region
- • Translate the partnership commitments into practical outcomes in form of knowledge generation, learning opportunities, research outcomes and innovative products
- • Reach out to international prospective partners for collaboration in areas of mutual interest
- • Formulate partnership deeds for win-win projects without any liability on the university
External Linkages Team Directory
Professionals building global partnerships for UoBS
| Sr. | Name | Designation | Role | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Shafqat Hussain | Director External Linkages | International Partnerships |
MoUs & Agreements
Strategic partnerships with national and international institutions
International Organizations
Global partnerships and collaborations
TANG Chinese Education and Technology
CCTE Model Modern China Pakistan Dual Diploma Joint Education Program (2022)
Jining Polytechnic, China
Establishment of International friendly school relationship (2022)
Mondragon University , Spain
• To promote Entrepreneurship Education (2019)
National Organizations
Strategic partnerships within Pakistan
EVK2CNR, Pakistan
• Upgrade and strengthen one planet pathology laboratory and one zoology laboratory at UOBS, (Ongoing)
Baltistan Cultural & Development Foundation (BCDF)
• Establishment of Botanical Garden; Nursery for Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) suitable for the region (Ongoing)
Momina Cheema Foundation
• To provide financial assistance to deserving and talented students who have secured admission but are unable to afford educational expenses. (Scholarships) (Ongoin)
Ongoing Projects
Summary of ongoing partnership activities and projects currently being implemented
| S.No. | Partner Organization/Institution | Key Area of Partnership Support | Focal Person(s) of the University | Status of Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EVK2CNR | Establishment of Labs Plant Pathology and Zoology, Eco Tourist Destination | HODs Zoology, Botany, Tourism | All the three components in progress, labs being established |
| 2 | BCDF | Water for Development, Garden with indigenous plant species | Project Director | Site selection of 12 kanals slopy patch. Project to be completed in Spring season |
| 3 | DESTINATIONS Pakistan | Documentation of archaeological and architectural heritage | Mr. Taseer, Dept of Archaeology and Heritage Studies | Documentation of three iconic archaeological and architectural buildings of Khaplu Palace, Shigar Fort and Amboriq Mosque by involving students of AHS |
| 4 | Reality Beyond Dreams | Metrological Study of grafted glaciers in Baltistan | Dr. Salar Ali (HOD Earth and Environmental Sciences) | Orientation and training sessions completed, devices being received, installation due |
| 5 | CIRCLE | Digital Literacy, Female entrepreneur development | Ms. Nazia Batool, Lecturer Business Management and Economics | MoU in process, trainings will follow after MoU. |
| 6 | ASCEND Pakistan | Rock climbing and female tourist guide training | Ms. Maria Akbar, lecturer Tourism and Hospitality | MoU in process, trainings will follow after MoU. Mountaineering Schools to be worked out. |
| 7 | Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) | Conservation of Wild Life, and empowering communities neighboring wild life habitat | Dr. Ghulam Raza, Associate Professor Zoology | MoU in process, trainings and research projects will follow after MoU |
| 8 | World Wildlife Conservation (WWF) | Establishment of garden at UOB | Project Director | Site finalized, development work will be started soon. |
| 9 | Kings College London | Glacier Grafting and Ice-reservoir research project | Dr. Zakir, Dr. M. Issa, Ms. Maria Akbar | Project proposal submitted, evaluation in progress |
| 10 | AKRSP | Aflatoon Modules, training program | Dr. Jawad Usman, Director Skills Development | Workshop series completed, certificate award and next episode awaited |
| 11 | NIDM | Disaster Management in GB | Prof. Ashfaque Ahmad Shah | MoU signed, projects to start |
| 12 | Yunan Land and Resources' Vocational College China | International Dual Diploma in Geology and mineral Survey | Dr. Salar Ali, HOD Earth and Environmental Sciences | Program in progress, first cohort to go to China in Spring 2026. |
| 13 | Skardu Development Authority SDA | University Signage, installation of waste bin drums | Project Director | Drums installed, wall signage of university included in Skardu Beautification project. |
Strategic Development Plan 2035
University of Baltistan, Skardu
Strategic Development Plan 2035
University of Baltistan, Skardu
Policies
The revised draft policy of the Directorate of External Linkages is in process of approval from concerned statutory bodies.