Peshawar\u060c Aug 16: Forging strong linkages between industry and academia are critical to accelerate Pakistan\u2019s economic transformation. This was stated by Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan\u2019s former Ambassador to the United States, China, and the United Nations, while addressing a day long seminar in Peshawar at The Millennium Universal College (TMUC).
\nHe underlined that closer collaboration between the two sectors would ensure a skilled, market-ready workforce, greater innovation, and enhanced global competitiveness.
\nIn the seminar several industrialists and academics made speeches and participated in panel discussion. This included Mr. Fazal Moqeem, President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Mr. Farhad Shafqat Qayyum, Head of Marketing, Communication, and Partnerships, National Incubation Centre, Peshawar, Dr. Sarina Zainab Shirazi HOD Business and Social Sciences TMUC, Pakistan, Ms. Qurat-ul-Ain Asif, Mentor & Business Expert, Mr. Fayaz Jarral Executive Director, FF Steel, Dr. Mehnaz Gul Associate Professor, Chairperson, Journalism & Mass communication, University of Peshawar and Mr. Rashid Aman, Provincial Chief SMEDA KP.
\nOutlining a roadmap to bridge the academic-industry gap, Ambassador Khan recommended practical, results-oriented measures, including structured internship programs, employment linkages, joint workshops, and regular job fairs. He also urged industry leaders to host orientation sessions for students within their facilities to provide real-world exposure to manufacturing, export markets, and technological applications. In addition, he highlighted the role of incubation centres and acceleration programs in nurturing start-ups, securing angel funding, and building collaborative platforms for knowledge exchange between universities and businesses.
\nAmbassador Khan placed these recommendations in the context of Pakistan\u2019s emerging economic strength. He noted that the country has over 200 million mobile users, 140 million broadband subscribers, and a youthful demographic with 64% of the population under the age of 30\u2014an asset for a technology-driven future.
\nSpeaking about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa\u2019s economic contribution, he said the province possesses fertile lands producing wheat, maize, tobacco, rice, sugar beets, and fruit, as well as a thriving small arms manufacturing sector and marble production industry. KP accounts for 9\u201310% of Pakistan\u2019s GDP, with mining contributing around 20%, forestry between 34\u201381%, and strong performance in agriculture, manufacturing, remittances, trade, biogas, and oil production. He also pointed to the province\u2019s rapid digital transformation, and the strategic role of the Special Economic Zone at Gadoon in boosting industrial growth.
\nAmbassador Khan called for greater cooperation between Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in sectors such as forestry, olive cultivation, and the sharing of educational expertise between institutions. Such collaborations, he said, could enhance regional productivity, foster innovation, and expand market access.
\nHighlighting the pace of Pakistan\u2019s digitization, he noted that technology adoption is growing exponentially, offering unprecedented opportunities in e-commerce, financial services, and global outsourcing. He encouraged chambers of commerce to \u201cgo global\u201d by developing strong international partnerships, expanding into new markets, and positioning Pakistan as a competitive player in the global economy.
\nCommending Dr. Sameen Shah and the organizers for assembling a diverse and influential audience, Ambassador Khan outlined a clear vision for leveraging Pakistan\u2019s human capital through academic-industry partnerships. He praised TMUC\u2019s role as a hub of transnational education, with partnerships across ten prestigious UK universities, including the University of London, University of Hertfordshire, and the London School of Economics. He emphasized that TMUC\u2019s programs are aligned with market needs, particularly in professional fields like law, where graduates are equipped for both domestic and international practice.
\nIn closing, Sardar Masood Khan called for urgency and coordinated action: \u201cWe are sitting on a goldmine of human talent, natural resources, and entrepreneurial energy. By uniting academia and industry in purpose and practice, we can redefine Pakistan\u2019s economic\u00a0trajectory.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Peshawar\u060c Aug 16: Forging strong linkages between industry and academia are critical to accelerate Pakistan\u2019s economic transformation. This was stated by Sardar Masood Khan, former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan\u2019s former Ambassador to the United States, China, and the United Nations, while […]<\/p>\n
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