Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, has directed the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to conduct an immediate and comprehensive review of university degree programmes across Pakistan. This initiative aims to align higher education with the demands of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the emerging Industrial Revolution 5.0.

According to Press Information Department, the Minister emphasized the necessity for Pakistan to prepare its youth with the knowledge and skills required in a rapidly evolving global economy driven by technology and innovation. Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the transformative impact of breakthroughs in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, and digital technologies on global labor markets, necessitating a fundamental rethinking of higher education.

Minister Iqbal stated that universities must adapt their curricula to prepare students for future opportunities and challenges, emphasizing the need for degrees that lead to employability, innovation, and national competitiveness. He insisted that Pakistan cannot afford a disconnect between educational outputs and economic needs, as industries require skilled professionals in emerging fields.

The directive requires HEC to evaluate degree programmes based on employability, industry relevance, and alignment with national priorities. It also calls for the establishment of a Future Skills and Curriculum Transformation Task Force to recommend necessary reforms. The review will focus on introducing and expanding programmes in fields such as AI, data science, and renewable energy, among others.

Minister Iqbal also stressed the importance of integrating digital skills, critical thinking, and other competencies across all disciplines. He expressed that transforming higher education into a talent development ecosystem is vital for Pakistan’s economic growth and competitiveness.

HEC is expected to submit a national audit framework within 60 days, as part of the broader URAAN Pakistan agenda, which focuses on youth empowerment and knowledge-based economic transformation.