ISLAMABAD: The universities should focus on quality education, research and innovation, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and market-oriented skills.
This was urged by the Chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, addressing a monthly meeting of vice chancellors and rectors of federal universities and higher education institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi held at Air University, Islamabad, bringing together senior university leaders to deliberate on key issues relating to higher education, academic collaboration, institutional development and emerging challenges facing the sector.
The chairman HEC was accompanied by senior officials, including Dr Shafiq, Dr Nasir Mahmood and Dr Habib Boukhari. Dr Akhtar called for stronger inter-university and industry-academia collaboration, sharing of best practices and collective efforts to enhance academic standards and equip Pakistan’s youth with the skills required to contribute effectively to national development.
The Vice Chancellor, Air University, retired Air Marshal Abdul Moeed Khan emphasised importance of collective efforts, institutional cooperation and sharing of best practices to address emerging challenges and further strengthen Pakistan’s higher education system.
According to a statement issued on Saturday, during the interactive session, university leaders exchanged views on strengthening quality assurance mechanisms, enhancing research and innovation, promoting inter-university collaboration, improving institutional governance and advancing academic excellence across higher education institutions.
The participants emphasised the need for greater collaboration among universities through joint academic programmes, research initiatives, knowledge-sharing, faculty and student engagement, and stronger linkages with industry and other stakeholders.
It was resolved to undertake joint efforts for advancing institutional cooperation, improving educational standards and fostering sustainable academic growth.
The participants also visited the Cyber Security Centre at Air University, where they were briefed on the centre’s facilities, activities and initiatives in the field of cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the official launch of the Young CEOs, Entrepreneurs and Innovators Summit, Expo and Awards 2026.
The summit is scheduled to be held on 15-16 October 2026 at Bahria University Islamabad as a follow-up to the recommendations of the 6th International Students Convention and Expo.
The initiative aims to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, creativity and industry-academia linkages among Pakistan’s young people.
Published in Dawn, August 9th, 2026
