Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, visited Karachi for the first time after assuming office, marking a significant engagement with the city’s academic community.
During the visit, Karachi Metropolitan University became the first institution in Karachi to host him, where he was received by Vice Chancellor Waseem Qazi.
The chairman also visited Mazar-e-Quaid to pay tribute to the founder of Pakistan, reflecting the symbolic importance of the visit.
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A key highlight of the visit was a special ceremony at KMU, where the KMDC Alumni Association announced scholarships worth PKR 50 million for 46 deserving students.
The event was attended by faculty members, students, alumni, and dignitaries, while high-performing students were also recognized with certificates for academic excellence.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chancellor Waseem Qazi described the scholarship initiative as a milestone achievement and stressed the importance of expanding access to quality education.
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In his keynote address, HEC Chairman Niaz Ahmed Akhtar appreciated KMU’s progress despite limited resources and praised the leadership for strengthening the institution’s academic direction.
He also highlighted ongoing reforms by HEC, including collaborations with international institutions to improve global recognition of Pakistani degrees and the introduction of a 46-hour free professional training programme.
Additionally, the chairman announced plans for a digital job portal aimed at connecting graduates with international employment opportunities.
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Emphasizing the broader role of education, he stated that universities must focus not only on knowledge creation but also on practical skills, ethical values, and character development.
The chairman commended the alumni community for their contribution, calling their scholarship initiative an exemplary effort to support future generations.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to promote quality education, professional growth, and ethical standards in higher education.
