Comprehensive plan evolved for improvements in higher education: PHEC Chairman

FAISALABAD, Mar 17 (APP):Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairman Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said that a comprehensive five-year strategic plan has been evolved to bring sustainable improvements in higher education and its operational rollout is expected within the next two months.
Addressing industrialists and business leaders during a meeting at Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI), he said that this plan would help align academic output with market needs through stronger industry-academia collaboration. It would also enable the country to produce a highly skilled and employable workforce, he added.
He appreciated Faisalabad’s pivotal role in the national economy and stressed that closer coordination between universities and industry could significantly enhance productivity and innovation.
He said that strategic reforms were being pursued under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz while a high-level committee led by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb is overseeing implementation.
He said that a detailed survey had already been conducted whereas the operational plan was being finalized under the guidance of former Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri.
Highlighting key challenges, Dr Iqrar pointed out that commercialization of research-based innovations in higher education institutions remained below expectations, emphasizing the need to shift focus toward applied research.
He cited the example of Sialkot Chamber’s public-private partnership initiative for Sambrial University and suggested that FCCI could adopt similar models by taking responsibility for educational institutions to ensure better outcomes.
He also underscored the importance of developing skilled manpower, referring to Pakistan Aeronautical Complex Kamra as a successful model of technical training, and called for establishing similar institutions at FIEDMC to strengthen capacity building.
The competent leadership and capable human resources were essential for institutional growth and national progress, he added.
Addressing gender dynamics in education, he noted a significant increase in female enrollment particularly in medical colleges where around 80 percent of students were women, prompting adjustments in admission ratios up to 40:40 for male and female students.
He also encouraged private sector investment in hostel facilities for female students to support their growing participation.
Dr Iqrar further shared that the government aimed to establish at least one university in every district alongside expansion in the private sector while the charter for Aziz Fatima University Faisalabad was expected soon.
Earlier, welcoming the guest, FCCI President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh said that Faisalabad had diversified beyond textiles into dairy, pharmaceuticals and automobile sectors, reflecting rapid industrial transformation.
He paid tribute to Dr Iqrar’s contributions toward agricultural self-sufficiency and emphasized the chamber’s role in bridging the gap between public and private sectors to accelerate economic growth.
He said that FCCI was preparing budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year and not only highlighted issues but also offered practical solutions to help achieve the national export target of $60 billion.
He stressed the importance of institutionalizing industry-academia linkages and proposed mandatory representation of chamber presidents in university syndicates to ensure alignment with economic needs.
The FCCI president also highlighted the significance of the SME sector for export growth and called for ease of doing business. He also stressed the need to provide internationally competitive education within Pakistan to curb the growing trend of students going abroad.
In the interactive session, the participants including Vice President FCCI Engineer Asim Munir, executive members, former office-bearers and representatives from academia and industry shared their views.
Senior Vice President FCCI Naveed Akram Sheikh presented a vote of thanks while FCCI President presented a commemorative shield and golden jubilee pin to Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan.
Later, Dr Iqrar Ahmad also recorded his comments in the FCCI Visitor’s Books and participated in a group photo session with local businessmen and traders.