Islamabad-Pakistan: Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, a veteran molecular geneticist and science policy leader, took charge as COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) Rector on Monday, October 27, 2025, following his appointment by the Chancellor of the University, the President of Pakistan.
Dr. Raheel Qamar is a highly respected academic and distinguished administrator with extensive international experience, formally assumed charge, marking the commencement of a new strategic tenure for the esteemed multi-campus institution of the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Prior to his appointment as Rector he has been serving as Head of the Science and Environment Sector at the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), an inter-governmental organisation having 53 Member States based in Rabat, Morocco. Earlier he also served as the first tenured Professor of CIIT, elevating to Director Campus, Dean RIC and later Rector of COMSATS University Islamabad in addition to various prestigious academic and administrative appointments at national and international institutions. A recipient of Pakistan’s Tamgha-e-Imtiaz (Medal of Excellence) and a Fellow of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, his research in molecular genetics, population genomics, and health sciences has contributed significantly to understanding genetic diversity and inherited diseases.
Dr. Raheel Qamar called on the Minister for Science and Technology, Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi, where he completed the necessary formalities to commence his five-year tenure as Rector. He sought the active support of the Minister in his capacity as Pro Chancellor for addressing challenges of his institution due to close functional alignment with the national science and technology agenda set forth by the Ministry.
Upon his arrival at the CUI Principal Seat, the Rector was warmly received by the senior management. Following the official handover, Dr. Qamar immediately convened a meeting with the staff and faculty. He said that all stakeholders of the university need to work in coherence to make CUI the institution of choice for students in Pakistan and the Islamic World.
Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar’s return is particularly significant, as he previously played a key role in the pivotal transition of the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology into its current university status.
In his concluding remarks, the Rector expressed profound gratitude for the trust reposed in him by the Chancellor CUI, the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the CUI Senate and issued a call for collective effort.
