Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to undertake a comprehensive review of university degree programs and curricula across Pakistan to ensure they align with emerging technologies and future economic requirements.
In a policy directive issued on Friday, Iqbal emphasized that Pakistan’s higher education system must adapt to the rapidly evolving global economy shaped by Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the emerging Industrial Revolution 5.0. He said universities should prepare students for future industries by equipping them with relevant skills rather than focusing on professions facing declining demand.
The minister instructed the HEC to assess all degree programs on the basis of employability, industry relevance, future demand, vulnerability to technological disruption and alignment with national development priorities. Degree programs found to have outdated content, weak market relevance or poor employment outcomes may be restructured, modernized, consolidated or gradually phased out.
As part of the reform process, Iqbal also ordered the formation of a high-level task force comprising academics, industry experts, entrepreneurs and policymakers. The body will be tasked with recommending measures to better prepare graduates for future economic and technological challenges.
The review will place special emphasis on expanding education in high-growth sectors, including Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Automation, Renewable Energy, Climate Science, FinTech and Digital Health.
The minister further called for the integration of AI literacy, digital skills, data analytics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, climate literacy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills across university programs to strengthen graduate competitiveness in the evolving job market.
The HEC has been directed to submit within 60 days a national audit framework for evaluating existing degree programs, recommendations for introducing future-oriented disciplines, and a roadmap for aligning higher education with Pakistan’s development priorities and labor market needs.
