Bahawalpur (Agencies): Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar has assumed the prestigious role of Vice Chancellor at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur. The transition took place at the Baghdad-ul-Jadeed Campus Bahawalpur, where Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob handed over the charge after completing his four-year tenure. Registrar Prof. Dr. Moazzam Jamil graced the occasion with his presence.
Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar, an expert with an illustrious background in pharmaceutical sciences, hails from Bahawalpur, Pakistan. He pursued his education from Government Abbasia High School and Government Sadiq Egerton College in Bahawalpur, setting the foundation for his academic journey. Dr. Akhtar earned his B Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) degree in 1989 and MPhil (Master of Philosophy) degree in Pharmaceutics from Punjab University in 1991. With a keen passion for further knowledge, he completed his PhD in Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Technology from Anadolu University, Eski?ehir, Turkey, in 2001.
Returning to Pakistan, Dr. Naveed Akhtar established the country’s first state-of-the-art pharmaceutical cosmetics laboratory, which has been instrumental in advancing research and development in the field of pharmaceutical cosmetics. Throughout his career, he has shown unwavering dedication to education and research, mentoring numerous students and guiding them to higher degrees and academic success. Under his supervision, 35 PhD and 100 MPhil scholars have successfully completed their studies.
The prolific academician has contributed significantly to scientific literature, publishing approximately 300 research articles and authoring 6 books, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the field. His research endeavors have been recognized and supported by various funding agencies, leading to the successful completion of 6 research projects with the support of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Science Foundation.
Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar’s professional journey at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur has been marked by steady progress. He was elected as Assistant Professor in 2003, Associate Professor in 2008, and eventually promoted to the rank of Professor in 2011. Over the years, he served as Principal of the University College of Conventional Medicine (2009-2015), Chairman of the Department of Pharmacy (2011-2022), Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy (2017), and Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences (2021). In 2022, he was appointed Pro Vice Chancellor of the university, further cementing his role in its growth and development.
As a scion of Bahawalpur, Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar holds a strong personal connection to the region, bolstering his dedication to the university’s progress and the community’s welfare. His adherence to university rules and regulations, along with his deep understanding of the local context, has contributed to his effective contributions in the areas of education, research, and administration.
Over the years, Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar’s exemplary service has earned him several prestigious awards and honors, including the “Star Pakistan Gold Medal Award” and the “Quaid-e-Azam Gold Medal,” both conferred upon him in 2011 by Tehreek-e-Istaqam Pakistan Council (Registered) Pakistan. He has also received “Research Productivity Awards” from the Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, further attesting to his excellence and impactful contributions in the field of pharmaceutical sciences.