International Conference on Computer Networks and Information Technology (ICCNIT ’11) held at Bara Gali

By Sir Ikram Ud Din

Department of Computer Science is the oldest seat of Computer Science education in KPK and is an esteemed department. Keeping up with its tradition of firsts, the department arranged the first International Conference on Computer Networks and Information Technology (ICCNIT ’11) from 11-13^th July, 2011 at Bara Gali campus of University of Peshawar. It was a big endeavor, encompassing diverse Computer Science fields and equally diverse participation. The conference was primarily arranged by Department of Computer Science, University of Peshawar, in collaboration with IEEE Islamabad Chapter, IEEE Peshawar Subsection, John Moores University Liverpool, UK, and KPK UET, Peshawar.

A great opportunity for young researchers to learn from the expertise of well-known researchers The aim of ICCNIT was to provide a platform to academics and professionals to facilitate effective knowledge sharing. ICCNIT will become an annual event providing. As we all know education sector of KPK is just one of many sectors that have perished due to international & national politics in play, the state of security, etc. A conference like ICCNIT was a boost to educational activities, particularly IT research. The conference was sponsored by IEEE, Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, Liverpool John Moores University, UK and Directorate of IT. Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in general, and Directorate of IT in particular, cordially supported the event as it helped to promote the soft image of the province.

Bara Gali campus of University of Peshawar situated in the heart of Galliyat is a hotspot for national and international seminars, workshops, training courses and conferences, student trips, etc. Add to this the untiring efforts of the whole staff of Department of Computer Science to make each and every arrangement immaculate, and the result was a well-organized and enjoyable 3 days at Bara Gali with enough intellectual influx to set your mind fast on thought course, but enough magnificence of mother nature and local culture to satisfy your soul.

The conference was a thoroughly refreshing experience for the participants, both intellectually and aesthetically. It covered diverse Computer Science fields such as Computer Networks, Multimedia Contents, Databases, Natural Language Processing, Wireless Communications, Software Engineering, Web Semantics and Information Technologies. Over 120 delegates from various national and international universities/organizations became a part of it. Apart from national universities, researchers from the following international universities participated:

1. Bradford University, UK
2. Lancaster University, UK
3. East Englia (Norwich) University, UK
4. John Moores University, UK.

The conference was inaugurated by honorable Vice Chancellor of University of Peshawar, Prof. Dr. Azmat Hayat Khan on 11^th July, 2011. Prof. Dr. Amir Qayum from Muhammad Ali Jinnah University, Islamabad, was the Keynote Speaker. His topic was Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs). Other speakers included:

1. Prof. Dr. Azzam Ul Asar, Chair IEEE, Subsection Peshawar/ Dean UET, Peshawar. His topic was IEEE Aims and Objectives.
2. Dr. Akhtar Hussain Khalil from UET, Mardan Campus, was invited to deliver a lecture on Academia, Intellectual Property and Commercialization.
3. Mr. Imran Malik, CEO Supernet, Karachi, presented the importance of Satellite Communication in the current era.

In total 41 research papers were presented during the course of 3 days. The environment was very interactive and every research paper was received with much interest, questioning, debate and encouragement. The conference was structured around individual sessions for main focus areas, punctuated with breaks for meals, prayers and tea. The schedule allowed everyone to unwind and relax in between sessions. All research papers are uploaded on IEEE website.

Despite being an educational conference, ICCNIT was not low on fun dose. The venue, Bara Gali, itself was a treat. The organizers went to lengths to make sure accommodation and provisions were excellent. Meal menus were meticulously planned and teas were generously served to ensure satisfied stomach and hence, alert minds. Internet facility was also available.

To add to the fun-factor, bonfires were arranged at night-time. The serenity of hills, the traditional folk music, and the cherry on top, students’ Atanr and Khattak dances, were a rich cultural experience.

As no visit to Galliyat is complete without tracking, participants were taken to Donga Gali via Ayubia on second day and a trip to Ayyubia on third day. The pristine beauty of the region took many’s breath away. The students enjoyed by singing, holding competitions, shopping, etc.

There were big and respectable names involved so expectations were high but ICCNIT exceeded expectations. Being an initial venture, it faced its due share of initial hitches but with dedication and constant hard work of the conference team headed by Dr. Saeed Mahfooz, Chairman, they were efficiently overcome. The whole of the conference team must be credited and appreciated for never failing to tackle the biggest of obstacles, putting in their very best, and eventually pulling off such a successful conference. This immaculate execution has prompted so many to request to make ICCNIT an annual event. These requests are our reward.

The conference has a dedicated website www.iccnit.com where details about the conference are available.