The Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) held its Annual General Meeting, bringing together key stakeholders from all regional chapters, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Southern Punjab and the Federal chapter. The event, attended by prominent figures in academia, aimed to evaluate progress and outline the path forward for private higher education in the country.
Mr. Mian Amer Mahmood, Chairman BoG UCP and former Mayor of Lahore, graced the meeting as Chief Guest, while Prof Dr Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Chairman of The Superior Group, set the tone for the gathering by declaring 2025 as the “Year of Character.” In his address, he stressed that Pakistan’s academic institutions must go beyond technical knowledge and instill strong moral values in the youth, warning that educational success without character could prove hollow.
The session featured a detailed annual progress report by Dr Ayesha Zahid, Director Coordination APSUP, who highlighted initiatives, achievements, and collaborative projects implemented during the past year. The meeting concluded with the presentation of shields to Executive Council members and Chapter Presidents, while Prof Dr Rehman gifted his book, Character Mastery, to all attendees as a symbolic reminder of the organization’s renewed focus on value-based education.
Related: APSUP Summit for Entrepreneurial Educators Charts New Course
While the gathering showcased commendable achievements and a vision for character-focused learning, critics argue that declarations and ceremonial acknowledgments must be backed by measurable reforms. Without tangible steps to address quality, accessibility, and accountability in private universities, the “Year of Character” risks being remembered as another well-intentioned slogan rather than a turning point for Pakistan’s higher education sector.