President Asif Ali Zardari met with Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU), and emphasized the importance of investing in technology education for Pakistani students.
President Zardari outlined his vision for building “technology highways” in the country. This would involve strengthening educational programs, increasing student access to IT infrastructure, and equipping them with modern skills to succeed in the knowledge economy. He believes providing laptops to students can improve access to education, bridge the digital divide, and prepare them with the technical skills needed to compete in national and international job markets.
The discussion also focused on Pakistan’s human resources. President Zardari acknowledged the country’s abundant talent pool but stressed the need to convert it into a national strength. He advocated for providing modern education and skills training to Pakistani workers. This would not only enhance their employability domestically but also allow them to contribute to the global workforce, potentially generating foreign exchange for Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of universities in producing skilled professionals like doctors, engineers, nurses, and teachers to meet the demands of both local and international markets.
The Vice Chancellor briefed the President on QAU’s achievements, including its ranking as a top university in Pakistan and its focus on research with a positive societal impact. He also mentioned digitalization as a top priority for the university.
President Zardari commended QAU’s role in Pakistan’s academic sector and pledged his support in addressing the university’s financial concerns. He even suggested awarding cash prizes to QAU’s top students to further incentivize academic excellence.
President Zardari’s call to action underscores the critical role of technology education in preparing Pakistan’s youth for the future. By investing in this area, Pakistan can bridge the digital divide, enhance employability, and unlock the full potential of its human resources.
