“Twenty-five million children in Pakistan are out of school today, and this single fact threatens to hold back the nation’s growth for the next twenty-five years.” With this urgent reminder, Mian Amer Mahmood, Chairman, Punjab Group, opened an engaging and thought-provoking interactive session at Iqra University (IU) under the banner of the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP), titled “Imagine Pakistan 2030: Challenges, Opportunities and The Way Forward.”
The session featured Mian Amer Mahmood as the Chief Guest, along with distinguished guests Prof Dr Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Chairman APSUP, and Prof Sohail Afzal, Executive Director Punjab Group. The discussion brought together leading voices from the private education sector to reflect on a renewed and progressive vision for Pakistan.
Chairman Iqra University Mr Naveed Lakhani, welcomed the esteemed guests and reaffirmed IU’s commitment to preparing future leaders who will shape the next decade of national progress.
In his address, Mahmood highlighted that Pakistan is living in an age marked by unprecedented access to information and a rapidly evolving technological environment. He stressed that while citizens today are more aware and more informed, the state continues to lag in essential areas such as healthcare, education, justice, and basic human needs. He drew attention to international surveys that consistently place Pakistan near the bottom across several indicators, noting that the public expects improvement but remains disappointed due to the absence of clean water, safe air, and efficient governance.
Commenting on administrative reform, he emphasised the need for structural change.
He stated:
“If provinces were created strictly on administrative divisions, Karachi itself would become a province. With effective governance, Karachi has the potential to surpass Dubai. The city carries immense potential and deserves provincial status.”
He also reiterated his long-standing proposal for expanding Pakistan from four provinces to thirty-three to decentralise governance that would result in improved service delivery and better outcomes for citizens.
Prof Dr Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Chairman APSUP, highlighted the collective responsibility of academia, industry, and national leadership in driving meaningful change for Pakistan’s future.
Prof Sohail Afzal, Executive Director Punjab Group, discussed the evolving landscape of higher education and the growing contribution of private universities to national development.
The interactive nature of the session offered students a rare opportunity to engage with national thought leaders directly. The speakers encouraged the youth to envision a progressive, inclusive, and people-centred Pakistan by the year 2030.
Bringing together educators, professionals, and students, the event reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a stronger and forward-looking Pakistan.
