Former President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Sardar Masood Khan, emphasized the crucial need for strong industry-academia linkages to boost Pakistan’s economic development. Addressing a seminar hosted by The Millennium Universal College (TMUC) in Peshawar, he stated that such collaborations are essential for creating a market-ready workforce, fostering innovation, and effectively integrating Pakistan into the global economy. The event was attended by prominent figures including the President of Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fazal Muqeem; Head of Marketing, National Incubation Center Peshawar, Farhad Shafqat Qayyum; Dr. Serena Zainab Shirazi; business expert, Qurrat ul Ain Asif; Executive Director of FF Steel, Fayaz Jaral; Dr. Mahnaz Gul; and Provincial Head of SMEDA KP, Rashid Aman.

Mr. Khan proposed a roadmap to bridge the gap between educational institutions and businesses, encompassing internships, facilitating job placements, conducting joint workshops, and holding regular career fairs. He encouraged businesses to familiarize students with production processes, export prospects, and practical technology applications. He also highlighted the importance of incubation centers and accelerator initiatives for guiding startups, providing funding, and facilitating knowledge exchange. Mr. Khan identified Pakistan’s over 200 million mobile phone users, 140 million broadband subscribers, and large youth population as assets for a technology-driven future.

Referring to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s economic landscape, Mr. Khan noted the province’s significant contributions to agriculture, mineral extraction, forestry, and manufacturing, accounting for 9 to 10 percent of Pakistan’s GDP. He recognized the Gadoon Special Economic Zone as a hub for industrial expansion and highlighted opportunities for forestry, olive cultivation, and educational partnerships between Azad Kashmir and KP. He also emphasized the potential of the digital revolution for Pakistan in e-commerce, financial solutions, and global outsourcing, advising businesses to expand globally for international collaborations to access new markets and foster competitiveness.

Mr. Khan commended Dr. Shameen Shah and the event organizers for bringing together diverse business leaders and acknowledged TMUC’s reputation as an international educational hub affiliated with ten leading UK institutions, including the University of London and the London School of Economics. He noted that TMUC’s academic offerings are aligned with job sector requirements, providing students with national and international practical training, especially in specialized fields like law. In his concluding remarks, he emphasized Pakistan’s wealth of human capital, natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit, stating that linking industry and academia can transform the nation’s economic trajectory.