The Islamabad Club hosted a dinner in honour of the newly elected Chairperson of the Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, attended by ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, vice chancellors and heads of leading organisations across Pakistan. Representatives from the Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences, Riphah International University, Preston University, Ibadat International University, Northern University, Prime Institute of Health Sciences and the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies were present, underscoring the national and international importance of the meeting.
Addressing the assembled guests, the Chairperson stressed the need for effective collaboration with global partners to uplift Pakistan’s higher education and announced a focused agenda of HEC reforms that prioritises transformative changes and the promotion of Artificial Intelligence across universities. He pledged to equip institutions with facilities that meet global benchmarks and to foster innovation through strategic international partnerships.
Quality assurance will remain central to the HEC reforms, with concerted efforts planned to strengthen faculty development, upgrade infrastructure and expand research capacity across the country. “We will provide our graduates with such facilities and opportunities that they can compete confidently with graduates from the United States, Germany and other developed countries,” he said, reaffirming the commitment to ensure degrees that are recognised and respected internationally.
The Chairperson also expressed gratitude to countries offering scholarships to Pakistani students, calling such cooperation vital for expanding academic opportunities and global exposure. He formally launched the 6th Students Convention, scheduled for the first week of May 2026 in Islamabad, and thanked organisers for their dedication to fostering academic dialogue and student engagement nationwide.
The reception concluded with renewed optimism as attendees from academia and diplomatic circles pledged their cooperation in implementing the reform agenda. Stakeholders assured support for the HEC reforms and for coordinated international efforts that aim to strengthen Pakistan’s higher education landscape and elevate its global standing.
