Dr. Nasir Mahmood, Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University, hosted an iftar dinner in honour of the newly appointed Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar. The event brought together senior figures including Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanvir Hussain and Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Chairperson of the Punjab Higher Education Commission, alongside distinguished participants from academia and government.
The gathering provided a relaxed setting for meaningful interaction, enabling university leaders and policymakers to explore collaboration and to discuss priorities for higher education reform. Attendees engaged in forward-looking conversations about strengthening institutions, improving access and aligning academic research with Pakistan’s development priorities.
Organisers and guests described the iftar as an important opportunity to build consensus on shared objectives for the university sector and to support the new HEC leadership as it outlines the future direction of higher education. The meeting underscored the need for coordinated efforts between federal and provincial bodies, universities and industry to enhance quality and opportunity across Pakistan’s higher education landscape.
