Iqra University had the honour of welcoming Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, to its Main Campus for a significant visit focused on strengthening academic excellence, research, innovation, and institutional development. The visit reflected the University’s continued commitment to contributing to the advancement of higher education in Pakistan through quality education, impactful research, and meaningful collaboration.
A key highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the Iqra University Intellectual Property (IP) Wall, an initiative that recognizes and celebrates the University’s achievements in research, innovation, patents, and intellectual property development. The IP Wall symbolizes Iqra University’s dedication to fostering a culture of creativity, knowledge creation, and research excellence while encouraging faculty members and students to pursue innovation that creates lasting impact.
The event was attended by Ms. Imaan Hunaid Lakhani, daughter of the late Mr. Hunaid Lakhani, along with Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Vice Chancellor of Iqra University, senior university leadership, faculty members, and administrative officials. Their presence reflected the institution’s shared vision of strengthening research, innovation, and academic quality.
Welcoming the Chairman, Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram expressed his appreciation for the Higher Education Commission’s continued efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s higher education sector. He acknowledged HEC’s support in promoting academic excellence, encouraging innovation, and enabling universities to enhance institutional development through quality assurance and research initiatives.
An interactive session with faculty members formed an important part of the visit, providing a platform for meaningful discussions on the future of higher education in Pakistan. The dialogue focused on quality assurance, research and innovation, industry academia collaboration, knowledge creation, and the evolving role of universities in responding to global educational and technological developments.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar emphasized that improving the quality of higher education remains the Higher Education Commission’s foremost priority. He highlighted the importance of aligning universities with the changing demands of the modern world through stronger research culture, innovation, and closer collaboration between academia and industry.
He further noted that knowledge creation, knowledge transfer, research, and innovation are among the core responsibilities of every progressive institution. Alongside academic excellence, he stressed the importance of nurturing ethical and moral values, describing them as essential qualities for developing responsible professionals and future leaders who can make meaningful contributions to society.
Prof. Dr. Akhtar also shared that the Higher Education Commission remains committed to supporting both public and private sector universities by providing access to modern digital tools, software, and essential academic services that enhance teaching, learning, and research. He reaffirmed HEC’s commitment to facilitating institutional growth while reducing unnecessary barriers that may hinder innovation and academic progress.
The visit concluded with a tour of the campus and discussions on strengthening collaboration between the Higher Education Commission and Iqra University in the areas of research, innovation, intellectual property, and institutional development. The engagement marked another important step towards building stronger partnerships that promote academic excellence, encourage innovation, and contribute to the continued growth of higher education in Pakistan.
