John F. Kennedy: “Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” Barack Obama:” The future belongs to young people with an education and the imagination to create.” Abraham Lincoln: “Upon the subject of education… I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.” Franklin D. Roosevelt: “The school is the last expenditure upon which America should be willing to economize.” Albert Einstein: “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” Carl Sagan: “When you make the finding yourself – even if you’re the last person on Earth to see the light – you’ll never forget it.” Marie Curie: “Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more so that we may fear less.” Richard Feynman :”I would rather have questions that can’t be answered than answers that can’t be questioned.” Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Malala Yousafzai: “One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” Confucius: “A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary.” Amitabh Bachchan’s: “The best learning comes from those who inspire you – your teachers, your mentors. They are the true superstars. The respect a teacher earns cannot be matched by any award in the world.” Shah Rukh Khan on Education & Academicians: “I believe education is not just books and numbers – it’s the teachers who teach you how to think, how to dream.” Teachers are the sculptors of human potential. They carve minds, and that’s the greatest act of heroism.,
Prof. Dr. Aqeel-ur-Rehman Dean Sohail University is a living embodiment of these timeless words-an inspiring academician, visionary leader, and tireless mentor who shapes minds, empowers futures, and reflects the very essence of what the world’s greatest leaders have said about educators.
A Visionary Leader Transforming University into a Beacon of Academic and Technological Excellence: In the dynamic landscape of higher education in Pakistan, he stands tall as a visionary academician, a devoted researcher, and a transformative leader. As the Dean and Professor at University, he has not only uplifted academic standards but also bridged the vital gap between academia, media, and industry-driving innovation and fostering real-world impact. Growth & Transformation at University: Since taking charge, He been instrumental in the exponential growth of University’s academic footprint. Starting with the BBA program, he not only restructured the curriculum but also ensured industry relevance, student engagement, and academic integrity. Encouraged by the success of the undergraduate program, he pioneered the MBA program, which now attracts a strong cohort of students due to its practical focus and professional faculty.
Through his efforts, student enrollment has significantly increased, and more importantly, quality has been prioritized over quantity. He introduced a structured faculty hiring and training system, ensuring that only academically sound and pedagogically skilled professionals form the core teaching team. Academic and Research Leadership: With over 71 publications in prestigious international journals (including IEEE Access and Wireless Personal Communications), an H-index of 14.038, and a doctoral thesis on Context-Aware Framework for Agriculture Management, He has earned recognition not just in Pakistan, but globally. As a PhD supervisor, his research contributions extend into Agricultural Knowledge Systems, IoT-enabled devices, and Medical Body Area Networks. He has led the way in integrating Artificial Intelligence, IoT, and sustainable computing into academic syllabi and projects. His key innovations such as the AI-enabled Smart Socket, IoT-based plant disease classification, and wireless sensor solutions reflect his drive to solve real problems through technology.
Conferences, Symposia, and Industrial Linkages: His recent role as a leading figure behind ICCRT-2025, themed “Sustainable Computing and AI: Shaping the Future of Industry and Society,” is a testament to his commitment to scholarly dialogue and technological advancement. Under his deanship, University regularly organizes conferences, seminars, workshops, and symposia, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and academic networking.
Notably, he is making strategic strides to link academia with industry and media, believing that universities must no longer operate in silos. His collaborations have led to mutually beneficial partnerships with media houses, tech companies, and research institutions-creating internships, placements, and research opportunities for students.
Green Initiatives & Digital Transformation: A firm believer in sustainability, He promotes a paperless environment and digital campus culture. From encouraging e-learning platforms to digitized administrative processes, his vision is rooted in eco-friendly, tech-powered education. Additionally, he has led various tree plantation drives and environmental awareness campaigns, reinforcing the social responsibility ethos among students and faculty. Honours & Contributions: He is: A Life Member of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Chairperson of multiple academic boards, An evaluator and contributor to PEC’s Evaluation Committees, Former Dean at Sir Syed University and Chairperson at Hamdard University
What Sets Him Apart? He embodies the rare combination of: Academic brilliance, Administrative excellence, Technological foresight, Environmental consciousness, Industrial collaboration. He is a pioneer in Smart Agriculture and IoT Solutions, and a passionate proponent of AI-driven education and sustainable development.
Leading Research & Innovation through ORIC: As a staunch supporter of research commercialization and innovation, He played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) at Sohail University. Under his guidance, ORIC has: Encouraged faculty-led research projects with practical impact, Supported interdisciplinary innovation in AI, smart devices, and agricultural technology, Facilitated grant writing workshops and industry-funded projects, built strong partnerships with the private sector, enabling joint R&D and tech incubation. He advocates for translational research-where knowledge moves from lab to land-making Sohail University a hub of socially and economically relevant innovations. Upholding Academic Standards through QEC: Quality assurance has been a cornerstone of Dr. Aqeel’s educational philosophy.
Through his leadership, the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) has evolved into a performance-driven unit that: Conducts semester-wise evaluations of courses and faculty, Implements feedback mechanisms from students, alumni, and employers, Aligns all academic and administrative processes with HEC guidelines, Initiates self-assessment reports (SARs) and accreditation processes across departments. He believes continuous quality improvement (CQI) is essential for any university aspiring to become world-class.
Final Thoughts: At Sohail University, He is not just an academician-he’s an architect of futures. His leadership is empowering the next generation of business leaders, engineers, and innovators. By blending research, real-world relevance, and human values, he is ensuring that Sohail University becomes a center of excellence not just in Pakistan, but across the region. “Innovation is not a luxury; it’s a responsibility.” – Prof. Dr. Aqeel-ur-Rehman.
