Islamabad, April 26, 2026: Acting President Yousaf Raza Gilani held a meeting with vice chancellors of leading universities in Lahore, emphasizing the need to strengthen higher education as a driver of innovation, research, and national development.
The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor of the University of the Punjab, Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali, Vice Chancellor of the Multan University of Science and Technology, and Prof. Dr. Masood Rabbani, Vice Chancellor of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences.
During the discussion, the acting president highlighted the critical role of universities as engines of intellectual growth and innovation. He stressed that higher education institutions must move beyond traditional teaching methods and prioritize research, critical thinking, and skills development to prepare students for a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The vice chancellors shared their views on key challenges facing the sector, including curriculum modernization, faculty development, research funding, and the need to strengthen industry-academia linkages. They called for enhanced collaboration among universities and closer partnerships with both public and private sectors to improve employability and foster innovation.
Gilani underscored the importance of aligning academic programs with market demands and national priorities, urging universities to play a proactive role in addressing socio-economic challenges. He also emphasized promoting entrepreneurship, as well as fostering tolerance, inclusivity, and civic responsibility among students.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to higher education, he called for sustained efforts to improve quality assurance, expand access, and leverage technology to enhance learning outcomes and global competitiveness.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to strengthen Pakistan’s higher education sector and work collectively toward building a knowledge-based economy.
