DNA
Islamabad (DNA). The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Secretariat, Islamabad hosted an Academia Industry forum titled Skilling Pakistan: Challenges and Learning from Best Practices in collaboration with the Young Entrepreneurs Summit, the Higher Education Commission Task Force on Business Incubation Centers, Atlas Vocational Training Institute, and the Vice Chancellor Forum of Federal Universities.
Leading educationists, policymakers, industry leaders, and university heads called for stronger and structured collaboration between academia and industry to bridge the skills gap, equip graduates with market relevant abilities, and boost overall employability.
The event featured insights from prominent speakers including FPCCI Vice President Tariq Mehmood Jadoon, FPCCI Capital Office Chairman Karim Aziz Malik, Inter University Consortium CEO and National Coordinator Muhammad Murtaza Noor, HEC Member for Research and Academics Prof. Dr. Syed Habib Ali Bukhari, Pakistan Science Foundation Chairman Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akmal, HEC Advisor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Nasir, and Prime Minister Youth Program Director General Dr. Syed Shahbaz Hussain Shamsi. A special documentary on Atlas Vocational Training Institute was screened to highlight its contributions to technical and vocational training.
During the Best Practices Session, attendees examined successful national models in skill building, university partnerships, business incubation, and work integrated learning. Highlighted institutions included the Pak Austria Institute in Haripur, Government College University Faisalabad, Honda Atlas, Health Services Academy, and Rawalpindi Women University.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh stressed that bridging the skills gap is essential for Pakistan’s economic survival in the modern era. He said that meaningful academia-industry collaboration, applied research, and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology in higher education are no longer optional, but are critical prerequisites for sustainable development. President Sheikh highlighted that universities should transform into innovation hubs that produce job creators rather than job seekers, assuring that FPCCI is ready to support joint research projects, upgradation of corporate laboratories, and market-driven curriculum reforms to equip the youth with future skills.
Speakers stressed that academia and industry must build regular communication channels, particularly by updating university course structures to align with current market demands and by including industry leaders on curriculum boards.
The forum recommended making student internships mandatory, practical, and results driven while providing undergraduates with direct workplace exposure. Panelists also advocated for active corporate involvement in higher education teaching, research, and startup development.
Addressing the rising role of Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies, experts urged universities to prepare graduates with digital tools, entrepreneurial skills, and professional soft skills suited for evolving industry needs.
Participants advised strengthening Offices of Research, Innovation and Commercialization as well as Business Incubation Centers by hiring dedicated professional staff. They also proposed upgrading university research laboratories using corporate social responsibility funds so students can work directly on real industrial problems.
In his welcoming address, FPCCI Vice President Tariq Mehmood Jadoon assured full support from the chamber for joint programs aimed at connecting students with employers.
FPCCI Capital Office Chairman Karim Aziz Malik emphasized that regional commercial hubs play a critical role in human resource development, adding that structured joint initiatives are essential for empowering young professionals.
Concluding the forum, Prime Minister Youth Program Director General Dr. Syed Shahbaz Hussain Shamsi announced that the Federal Government has declared 2027 as the Year of Skills to accelerate vocational education nationwide.
Attendees were invited to the upcoming Young CEOs, Entrepreneurs and Innovators Summit, Expo and Awards scheduled for mid October 2026 in Islamabad. Participants praised the chamber for organizing the session and called for holding similar dialogues on a regular basis.
