Vice-Chancellor of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Professor Nasir Jamal Khattak, underscored the need for professionalism, ethical conduct and institutional ownership in university administration, urging officers to translate training into improved governance and service delivery.

He was addressing the closing ceremony of the National Outreach Programme for University Management (NOPM) at UAJK, where 25 administrative officers from different cadres completed a structured capacity-building programme organised in collaboration with the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

The National Outreach Program for University Management, held from January 19 to 23, 2026, focused on strengthening professional, administrative, and leadership capacities of university officials. The program covered key areas including professional communication and office procedures, leadership and team building, ethical public governance, project and financial management, procurement and PPRA rules, strategic planning, and policy development. Special emphasis was placed on AI-enabled workplace efficiency, digital record management, e-governance, data-driven decision-making, and cybersecurity. Through interactive sessions, participants were equipped with practical skills to enhance institutional performance, transparency, accountability, and smart governance in line with national priorities.

Prof. Khattak said universities could not function effectively without a competent and ethically grounded administrative cadre, adding that training initiatives such as NOPM were essential for strengthening institutional systems and public service delivery. He appreciated HEC and NAHE for supporting professional development programmes for university management nationwide.

Zafar Iqbal, Director Students’ Financial Aid and programme coordinator, thanked the Planning Department, Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), NAHE–HEC, resource persons and organising team for their coordinated efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Afshan Munir Qadri, Assistant Director of Planning, and Zeeshan Zia Abbasi, Accounts Officer, termed the programme a valuable learning experience and thanked the university management for investing in professional growth opportunities.

Dr Mubashar Naqvi, Public Relations Officer, moderated the closing ceremony. Registrar Prof. Dr Saadat Hanif Dar and Director of Planning Prof. Dr Ansir Yasin also attended the session.

Certificates were distributed among the participants who completed the programme, while certificates of appreciation were also awarded to supporting staff members in recognition of their role in the successful conduct of the training.

Earlier, the vice-chancellor presented a souvenir to Prof. Dr. Shahid Ali of the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Peshawar, acknowledging his contribution as a resource person, particularly in the areas of strategic planning and policy development.

Souvenirs were also exchanged between the vice-chancellor and members of the organising team as a token of mutual appreciation.