Pervaiz Mughal
ISLAMABAD: Vice-chancellors and rectors of federal universities and higher education institutions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi met at Air University in Islamabad to discuss challenges facing Pakistan’s higher education sector and ways to improve academic standards, research and institutional cooperation.
The monthly meeting was attended by Higher Education Commission Chairman Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar as the chief guest, along with senior HEC officials. Air University Vice-Chancellor Air Marshal (retd) Abdul Moeed Khan welcomed the university leaders and stressed the need for institutions to work together and share successful practices.
Addressing the meeting, Akhtar called on universities to give greater attention to quality education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. He also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.
He said universities needed to develop market-oriented skills so that graduates could respond to changing demands in the workplace. He also called for stronger links between universities and industry. Greater cooperation, he said, could help improve research, support innovation and equip young people with skills needed for national development.
During an interactive session, university leaders discussed quality assurance, institutional governance, research, innovation and academic collaboration. They supported joint academic programs, research projects and greater interaction between students and faculty members.
They also agreed on the need to build stronger links with industry and other stakeholders. The participants later visited Air University’s Cyber Security Centre and were briefed about its facilities and work in cybersecurity and emerging technologies.
The meeting also saw the launch of the Young CEOs, Entrepreneurs and Innovators Summit, Expo & Awards 2026. The event was scheduled for 15 and 16 October at Bahria University Islamabad, following recommendations made at the 6th International Students Convention and Expo.
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