ICCNIT: a memorable conference

The lush green valleys of Galliyat with dense forests, beautiful hills, pleasant climate, winding tracks, and the overall landscape attract people from over the world to visit and spend their vacations there. BaraGali with its spectacular mountain horizon, the continuous chirping of birds, the cool weather (in mid of July), never bores you. It was here, at Bara Gali campus of University of Peshawar that Department of Computer Science (UoP) decided to hold ICCNIT conference from 11^th to 13^th July 2011.

Being a participant from the host institution, I’d been in anticipation for quite some time and eagerly waited for the conference that had kept our department’s staff into a spin for months. We arrived from Peshawar (KPK) on 10^th July. A warm welcome was given to all the guests, presenters, participants and students who had come from different national and international universities. Attendees included delegates from prestigious institutes like UETs, GIKI, QAU, MAJU, NED, Bradford University, Liverpool John Moore’s University, and many others.

It was a great comprehensive platform to present researches in Computer Science fields including Networking, Software engineering, Databases, Semantic web, etc. The conference, no doubt, was a 3-day roller coaster ride of ideas. Information is an under-statement. It was great to experience such an intellectual environment where new technologies were introduced, brilliant thoughts were explored, and research ideas were dissected. This was motivating especially for the upcoming researchers. I was surprised I ever thought conferences were boring!

Besides infusing us with ideas, the organizers didn’t forget to tend to our comfort and spirits. Foodies like me were particularly happy about the delicious, exquisite, traditional meals and regular well-provided teas after every session. Bonfires with traditional music amidst the quite hills were indeed unforgettable experiences. Participants couldn’t help dancing to the melodies and Atanr & Khattak dance at the bonfires were a hit! As if this amusement wasn’t enough, the clerical staff didn’t miss their chances of playing pranks and, indeed, added to the fun part. Birthdays were celebrated, treats were collected from successful student presenters, and sweet dishes were cooked together.

Tracking in the mountains was another experience that put everyone face-to-face with nature. Galliyat have established tracks and we took the track to Donga Gali via Ayyubia. These areas are so beautiful; one just couldn’t stop clicking (the camera). In another trip to Ayyubia on the third day, we shopped and enjoyed the chairlift, too. Time was short and the queues long but we did manage to get spots and enjoyed the thrill. The journey back in bus was another fun ride where students sang all the way. In the wink of an eye time passed and the curtain was closed on 14^th July. We left for Peshawar with incredible memories. All in all, the conference was beyond expectations, and left the most memorable and deep foot prints behind which will remain in our minds forever.

By Shahida Hayat, 2^nd semester, MS Software Engineering