ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Monday stressed upon the need for holding regular meetings of the senates of universities for timely decision making.

He also directed for immediate filling of vacant posts of Senate members in various universities.

The president presided over the sixth meeting of the Senate of the Comsats University at Aiwan-i-Sadr, the President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release.The meeting was attended by Comsats executive director, secretaries of ministries of IT and federal education and Senate members.

President Alvi further observed that universities should commence timely process for making recruitment on teaching and administrative vacancies as well as establishing new departments while keeping in view the needs of the market.

Prior to starting of teach-ing in new departments, an inquisitive analysis of the requirements of the markets should be made, he said, adding that universities should impart education and skills to students in conformity with the needs of the market.

The president reiterated that while comparing with other countries of the region, the number of students seeking admissions to universities in Pakistan was very low and emphasised upon higher education insti-tutions to utilise online education system for increasing number of qualified graduates.

He also advised that universities should explore new avenues for generating their financial resources whereas for the research grants, they should seek assistance from professionals.

During the meeting, the financial, administrative, educational and employees` issues of Comsats were discussed.APP