BY: ANI Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) hosted an Academia-Industry Forum titled “Skilling Pakistan: Challenges and Learning from Best Practices”, bringing together educationists, policymakers, industry leaders and university heads.
Participants called for stronger academia-industry collaboration to bridge the skills gap, improve graduate employability and equip youth with market-relevant skills.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh stressed that applied research, industry partnerships and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technology into higher education were essential for Pakistan’s economic development. He said universities should become innovation hubs that produce job creators rather than job seekers.
Speakers recommended industry participation in curriculum development, mandatory practical internships, workplace exposure and greater corporate involvement in university research and startup development.
The forum also called for strengthening Business Incubation Centres and research facilities, including through corporate support.
Prime Minister Youth Programme 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.
