A grand reception was held in Lahore in honour of Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, highlighting the growing importance of collaboration between academia and industry in the country’s development. The event was hosted by Faisal Manzoor, Chairman Board of Governors University of Sialkot (USKT), at the historic Flattie Hotel.
The ceremony brought together prominent figures from the education sector, industry and policy circles. Among the attendees were Chairmen of Boards of Governors and Vice Chancellors from various public and private universities across the provinces, members of the Higher Education Commission, presidents and office bearers of Chambers of Commerce, senior analysts and distinguished media representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar emphasized that stronger partnerships between universities and industry are essential to tackle Pakistan’s socio-economic and technological challenges. He noted that the Higher Education Commission has recently taken several initiatives to promote research, innovation and commercialization within universities.
He particularly highlighted the strengthening of Offices of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORICs) through the establishment of a special task force aimed at improving the impact of academic research and linking it with market needs.
Other speakers at the event included Faisal Manzoor, Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mian Imran Masood, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Asia, and Muhammad Murtaza Noor, Senior Vice President of the Academia-Industry Forum. They reaffirmed their support for the HEC leadership and pledged full cooperation in implementing the Commission’s reform agenda.
The speakers stressed that effective collaboration between universities and industry can drive innovation, encourage entrepreneurship and contribute to sustainable economic development in Pakistan.
Related: Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar Takes Charge as HEC Chairman
The reception also provided an important platform for dialogue and networking among academics, industry leaders and policy stakeholders. Participants discussed practical strategies for strengthening research collaboration, commercializing university innovations and creating opportunities for students and researchers to contribute more directly to national economic growth.
