Lahore: A grand reception was hosted in honor of Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairperson Higher Education Commission Pakistan, at Flattie Hotel by Faisal Manzoor, Chairman Board of Governors University of Sialkot.
The ceremony was attended by Chairmen Boards of Governors and Vice Chancellors of various public and private sector universities from across the provinces, members of the Commission of the Higher Education Commission, presidents and office bearers of Chambers of Commerce, leading senior analysts, and distinguished media representatives.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar emphasized the importance of strengthening academia–industry linkages to effectively address the socio-economic and technological challenges facing Pakistan. He highlighted recent initiatives undertaken by the Higher Education Commission to promote research, innovation and commercialization, particularly the strengthening of Offices of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORICs) through the formation of a special task force.
On the occasion, Faisal Manzoor, Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, President Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mian Imran Masood, Vice Chancellor University of South Asia, and Muhammad Murtaza Noor, Senior Vice President Academia-Industry Forum, also addressed the gathering. They assured their full cooperation to the Chairperson HEC in implementing the Commission’s reform agenda and strengthening meaningful collaboration between academia and industry.
The reception provided an excellent opportunity for interaction among academia, industry leaders and policy stakeholders to discuss pathways for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development in Pakistan.
