Islamabad: Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, has asserted that the nation’s progress is intimately connected to the strength of its universities, which are tasked with not only educating but also building responsible citizens for the future.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, Gilani made these remarks during the closing ceremony of a workshop titled ‘Strategic Planning and Leadership Excellence,’ organized by the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for university leaders. The event, held at the National Institute of Banking and Finance, focused on enhancing leadership skills and addressing challenges in higher education management, including governance, financial management, and the integration of artificial intelligence.

Gilani, serving as the Chief Guest, praised the HEC and NAHE for fostering collaboration among university leaders. He emphasized the importance of strong leadership and strategic planning in higher education for national development. Additionally, he urged institutions to prepare graduates to face future challenges with a combination of academic knowledge and ethical values.

Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar highlighted the need for adherence to regulations and the role of academic management in improving governance. He reiterated HEC’s commitment to strengthening university leadership and faculty. Meanwhile, Dr. Noor Amna Malik acknowledged the financial challenges facing the sector and advocated for prioritizing higher education funding.

The workshop also featured participation from 14 universities, including those from AJK, GB, and women universities from KP and Rawalpindi. Participants engaged with Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, who underscored the importance of innovation and accountability in university governance.

University leaders expressed appreciation for the workshop, noting its value in addressing strategic planning, governance, and financial sustainability challenges.