IBA Karachi Hosts High-Level Dialogue on University Reforms

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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and 16 public sector universities, convened a high-level dialogue aimed at fostering innovative strategies and university reforms. The event, hosted by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, was a key part of USAID’s Higher Education System Strengthening Activity (HESSA), which seeks to guide universities towards sustainability and improve institutional performance.

The HESSA initiative, implemented by the University of Utah, connects Pakistani universities with a network of American professors and experts to enhance academic standards and operations. The opening session of the two-day dialogue was chaired by Ms Kate Somvongsiri, Mission Director USAID/Pakistan, and Professor Dr Tariq Rafi, Chairman of the Sindh Higher Education Commission.

Vice Chancellors and academic leaders from public universities across Pakistan gathered at the event to discuss challenges in the higher education sector, share best practices, and explore ways to improve university governance. Participants highlighted the need for extended leadership training to equip university leaders with the skills necessary to manage emerging challenges in the education sector.

Dr Tariq Rafi commended USAID’s partnership in higher education, emphasizing the impact of the initiative on the organizational performance of public sector universities. “This initiative will advance the organizational performance of public sector universities, and we stand committed to making our programs more demand-driven for better graduate employability,” he said, urging participants to contribute actively to improving educational institutions.

The first day of the dialogue featured sessions on work planning and the achievements of partner universities. For example, the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) launched a ‘Connected Learning’ initiative, while the National University of Technology (NUTECH) organized STEM boot camps. Many partner universities also enhanced their student services by introducing wellness centers. Discussions focused on the mid-term evaluation report of HESSA and ways to improve the program’s effectiveness.

On the second day, participants reviewed the strategic planning initiatives of partner universities. A panel discussion on “Transforming Universities towards Sustainability,” moderated by Dr S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director of IBA Karachi, brought together distinguished speakers such as Dr Sarosh Lodhi, Vice Chancellor of NED University of Engineering & Technology; Dr Shakeel Khoja, Dean of the School of Mathematics and Computer Science at IBA Karachi; and Ms Malahat Awan, Director of Alumni Affairs & Resource Mobilization at IBA Karachi.

The event marked a significant milestone as HESSA enters its fourth year of implementation. With two years remaining, the focus of the program will remain on refining capacity-building efforts, enhancing institutional support, and ensuring academic relevance through strategic planning and cross-component coordination.

HESSA continues to play a vital role in strengthening the higher education landscape in Pakistan, enabling universities to meet the evolving needs of students and the workforce.