Islamabad, February 4, 2025: In a significant move to promote academic excellence and support talented yet underprivileged students, the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIK Institute) and 99 Technologies Pvt. Ltd. have launched a Rs. 10 million One-Chair Endowment Fund.
The signing ceremony, held at the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Sciences and Technology in Pakistan (SOPREST) Secretariat, Islamabad, underscores a shared commitment to fostering merit-based scholarships and furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The endowment, generously donated by 99 Technologies, will be invested, with its returns providing annual scholarships for exceptional students pursuing engineering and technology education at GIK Institute. This initiative, facilitated by the GIK Alumni Association, aligns with Pakistan’s national development agenda and global sustainability objectives, reinforcing the critical role of education in socio-economic progress.
Engr. Salim Saifullah Khan, President of the Board of Governors, SOPREST and GIK Institute, praised the collaboration:
“This partnership exemplifies our vision of nurturing talent and innovation. By connecting industry, alumni, and academia, we are not just investing in individuals but in the future of Pakistan.”
Mr. Safi Uddin, Chief Technology Officer of 99 Technologies, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to social responsibility:
“Education is the foundation of progress. Through this endowment, we aim to create opportunities for deserving students who otherwise cannot afford to study at prestigious institutions like GIK. These beneficiaries will ultimately contribute to Pakistan’s technological advancement.”
During the event, Mr. Shakil Durrani, Executive Director of SOPREST, highlighted GIK’s merit-based scholarship system and its independent Board of Governors, which includes distinguished civil society members and senior government officials. He commended 99 Technologies for its philanthropic contribution, emphasizing the fund’s long-term impact on outstanding students.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including Engr. Salim Saifullah Khan (President, Board of Governors, SOPREST & GIK Institute), Mr. Shakil Durrani (Executive Director, SOPREST), Prof. Dr. S. M. Hasan Zaidi (Acting Rector, GIK Institute), Sardar Aminullah Khan (Pro-Rector, Administration), Barrister Engr. Habil Ahmed Khan (President, GIKI Alumni Association), Mr. Safi Uddin (CTO, 99 Technologies) and Mr. Waleed Chatta and Mr. Irfan Ahmad (Secretary, SOPREST)
The GIK Alumni Association (GIKIAA) was commended for its relentless efforts in mobilizing resources and strengthening alumni-industry networks to support such initiatives.
