Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to undertake a major overhaul of university degree programmes across Pakistan, with the goal of producing graduates who are better prepared for employment and aligned with the evolving needs of industry. The move is part of a broader effort to modernise the country’s higher education system and ensure students are equipped with practical skills for the future job market.
Speaking on the importance of education reform, Ahsan Iqbal stressed that Pakistan’s youth must be prepared for an increasingly AI-driven and technology-focused global economy, where traditional and outdated degrees may no longer guarantee stable employment. He emphasized the need for universities to shift their focus from purely academic qualifications to skill-based and market-oriented education that can meet both domestic and international workforce demands.
Under the new directive, the HEC has been asked to assess existing degree programmes based on factors such as employability, market relevance, and their contribution to national development. Programmes found to be outdated or less effective may be restructured, modernised, or gradually phased out to make room for disciplines that align with future economic priorities.
To support this transformation, a special task force will be formed to redesign academic curricula and promote emerging fields including artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Universities will also be encouraged to integrate digital literacy, entrepreneurship, problem-solving, and critical thinking into their teaching frameworks as part of the government’s broader URAAN Pakistan vision, which aims to build a knowledge-based economy and strengthen Pakistan’s global competitiveness.
