Alumni Initiatives

The NED University of Engineering & Technology has always been at the forefront of inclusive education, ensuring that opportunities in higher learning are accessible to all segments of society. In recent years, the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology has proudly welcomed visually impaired students into its undergraduate programs. 

These students attend mainstream classes alongside their peers, demonstrating resilience and exceptional commitment. However, their learning experience can be further enhanced through a dedicated Facilitation Center for Blind Students—a specialized space equipped with assistive technologies and resources to support their academic and personal development. 

The University’s vision is to empower visually impaired students through technology and training, enabling them to excel academically and professionally while promoting inclusion and independence. 

The objectives of this project are: 

1. To provide a supportive environment with specialized assistive tools and software. 
2. To enhance accessibility to course material and digital content. 
3. To develop soft skills, confidence, and employability among visually impaired students. 
4. To create a model of inclusion and technological empowerment that other institutions can replicate. 

Scope of the Project 

The proposed initiative does not require new construction. The Department has identified an existing space within its premises that can be renovated and adapted into a facilitation center. 

The Center will serve as: 

• A learning and resource hub for visually impaired students. 
• A training area for skill development workshops (e.g., communication, computing, and self-reliance). 
• A collaborative space where peer support and mentoring can take place. 

Initially, the Center will serve six current students, with the capacity to support future intakes, as visually impaired students are admitted every alternate year. 

Proposed Facilities and Equipment

Category	Description	Purpose
Assistive Computers	6 desktop computers with high-end specs (headphone-supported, voice-enabled OS, SSDs for fast access)	Individual workstations for blind students
Screen Reader Software	JAWS (Job Access With Speech), NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access), VoiceOver (Mac), and other accessibility tools	Allows auditory interaction with computers
Braille Display Devices	2 refreshable Braille displays (40-cell)	Enables tactile reading of on-screen text
Braille Printer/Embosser	1 unit (with paper sheets)	Printing study material and notes in Braille
Text-to-Speech & OCR Software	Kurzweil 1000 or ABBYY FineReader	Converts printed material into spoken or digital text
Audio Recording Devices	6 portable voice recorders	For recording lectures or notes
Learning & Collaboration Tools	Adaptive keyboards, tactile diagrams, and raised-line drawing kits	Facilitate diagrams and code understanding
Furniture and Renovation	Ergonomic desks, acoustic environment, air-conditioning, accessible lighting, and signage in Braille	Renovation of existing departmental space
Soft Skills Area	Round-table setup for workshops and training sessions	Communication, teamwork, and professional grooming

Girls Common Room (GCR) is located at north-east side of fountain area at NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan. It is an exclusive girl’s area used by them to take breaks between their studies and hosts a canteen, prayer area, restrooms, ablution area, seating areas. With increase in numbers of female at the campus, existing space of GCR is falling short for their needs and require general renovation. With existing facility looking like a facility of 1960s and deteriorated conditions of restrooms, alumni visiting the campus decided to work on rehabilitating of GCR. Our female engineers deserve a decent area serving quality food in an ambience complimenting their hard work and providing basic facilities where they feel refresh.

The Asma M. Hashmi STEM Centre at NED University Main Campus, inaugurated during the NEDIAN Convention 2024, is a newly established hub dedicated to advancing education, research, and innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Founded by NED University of Engineering & Technology in collaboration with Asma M. Hashmi, the Centre reflects a strong commitment to empowering students and faculty through hands-on learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and mentorship. By fostering inclusive, forward-thinking STEM education, the Centre aims to inspire future leaders, drive academic excellence, and contribute to meaningful progress in science and technology both locally and globally.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/asma-m-hashmi-stem-centre-neduet/

The NED Alumni Tristate Chapter (NEDATS) proudly sponsored the establishment of a Smart Classroom at NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. This initiative reflects our strong commitment to advancing digital learning and equipping students with modern educational tools. The Smart Classroom is designed to foster innovation, interactive learning, and global connectivity, preparing NEDians to excel in today’s competitive world. By integrating technology with education, NEDATS continues to support its alma mater, empowering the next generation of engineers and leaders. This milestone highlights our dedication to giving back and strengthening the academic foundation of NED University.

Department of Civil Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology is a proud custodian of state-of-the-art Building Information Modeling (BIM) Centre. The BIM Centre has been established through the kind support of NED Alumni Association of Tri-State, USA which is first of its kind in Pakistan and was inaugurated on September 29, 2016. NED Alumni Association of Tri-States funded this centre and the amount received was Rs. 2.2 million.

The centre is equipped with fully air-conditioned environment with High Performance Computers, 23-inch 10-Point Projected Capacitive, IPS Touch Technology for Color Accuracy and Wide Viewing Angle Dual Extended Monitors, 65-inch 10-Point Projected Capacitive, IPS Touch Technology for Color Accuracy and Wide Viewing Angle Screen for demonstrating different models.

Currently, the software inventory includes: Autodesk Revit 2021, Autodesk Navisworks Manage 2021, Tekla Structures and Tekla Structural Designer, Primavera P6, 3Ds Max, and Unity 3D.

BIM Centre is engaged in the following ways:

1. Teaching and demonstrating the hands-on application of the BIM tools to the undergraduate, post graduate and Ph.D. students of NED University especially to the students of Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture.
2. Modelling all phases (Planning, Design, Execution & Facility Management) of construction case projects on BIM in order to increase the awareness of local construction industry and enhance their trust in the BIM technology.
3. Demonstrating via case studies the application of BIM in the local scenario so as to increase the awareness as well as confidence of industry stakeholders regarding the potential of BIM for achieving high performance construction project life cycle.
4. Studying future challenges and BIM’s long term impacts on the construction industry.
5. Developing training for continuing education of practicing professionals to implement BIM as well as curriculum development at undergraduate and graduate levels for civil engineering and allied disciplines.
6. Developing capacity for industry consulting on BIM by slowly and gradually upgrading the lab through other sources with respect to professional software licenses and other needed hardware such as VR tools (VR Holographic Display, VR Glasses), etc.