Islamabad: The Pakistan Institute of Fashion & Design (PIFD) has partnered with the National Book Foundation (NBF) to open a new campus in Karachi, aiming to expand educational and vocational opportunities in various design disciplines.

According to Press Information Department, the collaboration was formalized through a Letter of Understanding signed in a ceremony at the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training’s committee room. The event was attended by several dignitaries including Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, and other high-ranking officials.

The new PIFD campus will be located on the 2nd floor of the NBF’s Braille Complex Building near the PTV Station in Karachi. Initially, it will offer short training courses, diplomas, and certificate courses in Fashion Design, Textile Design, Jewellery Design, and Visual Arts. This initiative is set to address the skills gap in the creative industry, enhancing employability and aligning educational programs with contemporary market needs.

Furthermore, the campus will include a 2% quota for partially blind students, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity in collaboration with the Pakistan Association for the Blind. The federal government and industry stakeholders are poised to provide the necessary resources and support to ensure the success of this new venture.

Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui praised PIFD’s efforts and affirmed the Ministry’s support for the campus, which is scheduled to commence operations in September 2024. Professor Ms. Hina Tayyaba Khalil, Vice Chancellor of PIFD, emphasized the importance of the Karachi campus in expanding the institute’s reach and developing the design sector’s talent pool.