Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, presided over a key Executive Committee meeting to propel the establishment of the Daanish University of Applied and Emerging Sciences in Islamabad. This initiative is a significant component of URAAN Pakistan, the government’s national transformation strategy.

Attendees at the meeting included prominent figures such as the Secretary of Education, the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, and the Chairman of the Capital Development Authority, among others. Discussions centered on advancing the university’s development, with plans to engage international consultants to shape the project’s design and supervision.

Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the Ministry of Planning’s role in spearheading the URAAN Pakistan initiative, stressing the urgent need to reform the country’s higher education system. The goal is to equip the younger generation with the skills required for future job markets and technological advancements.

The Minister underscored the importance of launching international recruitment for top academic and faculty positions to align the university’s standards with global best practices. He called for collaboration between industry and academia to develop degree programs that address current skills gaps.

The infrastructure plan for the university will focus on simplicity, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, aligning with the environmental goals of URAAN Pakistan. The project is envisioned as a flagship center for education and innovation, contributing to Pakistan’s economic growth targets.

In his concluding remarks, Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that the Daanish University will play a pivotal role in preparing Pakistan’s youth for leadership roles in an era defined by knowledge, technology, and innovation.