HYDERABAD: Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, marked International Education Day with a special seminar presided over by its Vice Chancellor, Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk.
The event was jointly organized by the Students Societies Center and the Sindh Education & Literacy Department, fostering a meaningful dialogue on educational excellence and global learning practices.
Distinguished academician Dr. Barkat Bhayo, Professor at Lappeenranta University of Technology, Finland, delivered the keynote address. Drawing on his experience as a former SALU student (2002, 2004), Dr. Bhayo presented a comparative analysis of the education systems of Pakistan and Finland. He outlined six key features of each system, presenting Finland’s model as a source of inspiration for educational reforms in Pakistan.
Dr. Bhayo described Finland’s education system as holistic, equitable, and lifelong in nature. Its key pillars include complete equity with free education, meals, and transport; high trust in fully qualified and autonomous teachers; emphasis on learning, creativity, and critical thinking rather than standardized testing; strong student welfare policies to reduce stress; a later school starting age of seven years to build strong foundations; and an overarching goal of developing responsible citizens through lifelong learning.
Addressing students and faculty on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Prof. Dr Yousuf Khushk stated that education is not merely the acquisition of degrees but a powerful force for human development, character building, and national progress.
He emphasized that true success lies in integrity, critical thinking, and service to society, and highlighted the pivotal role of teachers in shaping responsible and enlightened future generations. Reaffirming the university’s commitment to quality education, research, and innovation, he said SALU is dedicated to preparing students for responsible citizenship and a brighter future for Pakistan.
Referring to the global context, Prof. Dr. Khushk noted that while UNESCO began observing the International Day of Education in the 21st century, the roots of education on the land of Pakistan stretch back thousands of years. The ancient civilizations of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa stand as evidence of a highly developed system of written language, planning, accounting, and organized transmission of knowledge - long before the fifth century BCE. Likewise, Taxila is recognized among the world’s earliest centers of learning, where philosophy, medicine, mathematics, politics, and religious studies were taught through a structured teacher–student system.
Dr. Khushk emphasized that these historical examples clearly demonstrate that Pakistan’s educational heritage is not a product of the colonial era, but a powerful, continuous, and intellectually rich tradition spanning millennia. Encouraging students to draw inspiration from this legacy, he urged them to embrace critical thinking and creativity over rote memorization.
He acknowledged the supportive role of Artificial Intelligence in expanding learning opportunities but stressed that real success depends on hard work, continuity in one’s chosen field, and self-reliance. “You must strive to lead in your own field within the country,” he advised, reminding students that they are the true architects of Pakistan’s future.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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