Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Vice-Chancellor, Allama Iqbal Open University is among Pakistan’s leading educationists. He is an institution in himself—determined, reserved, action-oriented, and a towering personality with vast intellectual and administrative capabilities. His contributions to the university are well known, and his dedication to sincere work defines his reputation. Under his leadership, the university has achieved new milestones in discipline, merit, educational standards, academic and research activities, and a positive learning environment.
He is always concerned about the welfare of employees and students, striving to implement reforms that enhance their well-being. Dr. Nasir Mahmood has an exceptional ability to empathize with employees and understand their concerns deeply. Due to his visionary leadership and proactive approach, the overall atmosphere of the university has transformed significantly. The university has become a hub of academic and research activities, with frequent seminars, conferences, and cultural events enriching its academic environment.
Just as he focuses on the university’s progress and student facilities, Dr. Nasir Mahmood also takes significant steps to improve employees’ health and welfare. Great personalities like him are rare, and they deserve recognition for their selfless service to humanity. The country needs such dedicated individuals. According to Dr. Nasir Mahmood, employees can only deliver their best performance when they are provided with a sense of security and well-being. To achieve the university’s developmental goals, he has prioritized the welfare of employees.
Employees health facilities
Through the efforts of the Employees Welfare Association, the university has signed an agreement with Premium Diagnostic Center, Islamabad (PDC) to offer employees and their families medical tests at discounted rates—50% off on medical tests and 35% off on radiology services. Special discounts are also available for doctor consultations. Additionally, free home sample collection, X-rays, ultrasounds, and other healthcare services have been made available at employees’ doorsteps.
Moreover, university employees now have access to medical facilities in government hospitals across Pakistan, including RMI, NESCOM, CMH, and PAEC hospitals in Islamabad. Employees requiring medical treatment based on doctors’ recommendations are even provided advance payments for their treatments.
The medical center within the university campus has been upgraded with modern equipment, offering treatment, laboratory services, and pharmacy facilities all in one place.
Employee Promotions and Benefits
Following the Prime Minister’s Assistant Package 2006 and 2015, which mandated the immediate regularization of contract employees, Dr. Nasir Mahmood regularized 45 contract employees of the university. Similarly, adhering to the government’s employee promotion policy, the Vice-Chancellor promoted 1,230 employees to higher grades. Two meetings of the Departmental Promotion Committee were held to ensure that deserving employees—including superintendents, assistants, UDCs, and technical cadre staff—were promoted per the official rules.
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, the university provides employees with a soft loan known as “Bakra Allowance.” This year, on the recommendation of the Employees Welfare Association (EWA), Dr. Nasir Mahmood increased the amount from PKR 30,000 to PKR 45,000.
As part of the Umrah lucky draw, 26 employees were sent to perform Umrah this year, setting a new record. Additionally, in a remarkable welfare measure, the Vice-Chancellor ordered the waiver of all loans for employees who passed away during service.
New Initiatives for employees welfare
While writing this report, the author received two more pieces of great news regarding employee welfare. On the request of EWA President Yasir Mahmood and resident employees, Dr. Nasir Mahmood approved the establishment of a Community Center within the residential colony and issued a tender notice for its construction. Additionally, he also approved the installation of a solar power system in the colony. These projects are expected to have commenced by the time of this article’s publication.
One of the most heartwarming initiatives undertaken under Dr. Nasir Mahmood’s leadership was making the university mosque accessible for a physically disabled elderly retired officer, Mahmood Ahmed Qureshi. This elderly individual, now residing in the university’s residential colony with his son, used a wheelchair to reach the mosque for congregational prayers. However, due to the stairs at the mosque entrance, he could not enter the mosque and had to pray outside, even in extreme winter weather.
When this matter was brought to the Vice-Chancellor’s attention, he immediately ordered the construction of a special wheelchair-accessible entrance for the mosque. Thanks to his directive, this elderly man can now enter the mosque and pray inside. This initiative stands as an act of continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah). Seeing him pray inside the mosque now brings joy to everyone, and whether or not he raises his hands in prayer, his very presence in the mosque is a prayer for Dr. Nasir Mahmood.
Employee Recognition and Motivation
The success of any institution is driven by the hard work, dedication, and sincerity of its employees. It is the administration’s duty to ensure their well-being, provide a safe and comfortable working environment, offer career growth opportunities, and recognize their efforts.
The author personally witnessed the practical application of these principles at Allama Iqbal Open University. The Vice-Chancellor not only takes initiatives for employee welfare but also appreciates the outstanding performance of officers and staff. This motivates individuals and inspires others to improve their performance.
In this regard, at the Regional Directors’ Conference held on December 26-27, 2024, the Vice-Chancellor awarded cash prizes and certificates of appreciation to 23 employees and officers for their outstanding services. Similarly, on January 30, 2025, a grand awards ceremony was held at the university’s main campus, where 119 faculty members, officers, and staff were honored with cash rewards and certificates.
These awards have boosted employee morale, and the author is confident that, under Dr. Nasir Mahmood’s leadership, university employees will continue to excel in the fields of education and research, winning every challenge ahead.
A Visionary Leader
Allama Iqbal Open University is like a garden of knowledge and research, and Dr. Nasir Mahmood is its dedicated gardener, nurturing and caring for it with devotion. He ensures that students and employees receive the best possible support, just as a gardener meticulously tends to every plant in their garden.
Based on the author’s observations, Dr. Nasir Mahmood is fulfilling his responsibilities exceptionally well. His efforts in ensuring employee welfare, recognizing hard work, and rewarding excellence guarantee that this institution will continue to flourish.
The employees deeply appreciate his kindness and leadership, and in return, they stand beside him, ready to contribute wholeheartedly to the university’s success.
