HEC chief underscores need for strengthening education-industry link

LAHORE: Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr. Niaz Ahmed visited the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and met President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol. The meeting was attended by EC Members Irfan Qureshi, Iftikhar Ahmed, Garrison University Dr. Rizwana Bashir, Convener Umar Saleem, Sajad Afzal, Zeeshan Sohail Malik, and others.

The meeting focused on strengthening the link between education and industry, improving academic curricula, and utilizing the potential of young people.

LCCI President Faheem-Ur-Rehman Saigol said that education and industry must be aligned so that skilled manpower can be developed according to modern market needs. He also announced Applied Research Award for the HEC. He stressed the need to update academic curricula to match current global requirements. He added that young people’s abilities must be recognized and their potential fully explored. He said that special focus on youth is essential for global competitiveness.

He also said that Pakistan is a large consumer market and its potential should be fully utilized. He noted that exports have remained at the same level for several years, while the continuous increase in remittances reflects the talent and hard work of the youth.

Chairman Higher Education Commission Dr. Niaz Ahmed said that significant improvements have been made in the higher education sector and reform work is ongoing. He said that educational priorities are changing with time and practical steps are being taken to provide modern skills to students. He added that research at Textile Universities is being conducted according to international standards, and technical universities have highly capable students who will lead in the future.

Chairman HEC encouraged the business community to develop strong linkages with universities to reduce the gap between industry and education. He said that young people have new and creative ideas that need to be explored.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026