KARACHI: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar has said that aligning universities with the evolving demands of the modern world is the need of the hour.

During a visit to Iqra University’s main campus, he stressed the importance of promoting research, innovation, and stronger industry-academia linkages.

According to a press release, during the visit Dr Akhtar had an interactive session with faculty members, where discussions focused on the evolving landscape of higher education, quality assurance, research and innovation, industry-academia collaboration and the future of higher education in Pakistan.

Imaan Hunaid Lakhani, daughter of late Hunaid Lakhani, also attended the event alongside the university’s senior leadership, faculty members and administrative officials.

The HEC chairman also inaugurated the Iqra University Intellectual Property Wall, an initiative that celebrates the varsity’s achievements in research, innovation, patents and intellectual property development.

Published in Dawn, July 24th, 2026