Ahsan directs review of degree programmes for Industry 4.0, 5.0 readiness

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Jun, 2026) Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday directed the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to undertake an immediate and comprehensive review of all university degree programmes and curricula across the country to align higher education with the evolving demands of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the emerging Industrial Revolution 5.0.

In a policy directive, the minister said Pakistan’s future competitiveness depends on equipping youth with the knowledge, skills and competencies required in a rapidly technology-driven global economy.

He noted that advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, biotechnology, quantum computing, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies are reshaping global labour markets, rendering several traditional occupations obsolete while creating new ones.

“The world is changing faster than ever before. Universities can no longer prepare students for yesterday’s jobs. Our institutions must prepare them for tomorrow,” he said, adding that degrees must lead to employability, innovation, entrepreneurship and national competitiveness.

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan cannot afford a mismatch between university output and labour market needs, stressing that curricula must be aligned with emerging economic demands.

Under the directive, HEC has been asked to assess degree programmes on employability, industry relevance, national priorities, technological disruption risks and future global demand.

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Outdated or low-relevance programmes will be identified for restructuring, modernisation, consolidation or phase-out.

He also called for a high-level Future Skills and Curriculum Transformation Task Force comprising academia, industry leaders, technology experts and policymakers to recommend reforms for future readiness.

The review will prioritise emerging fields including artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, cybersecurity, robotics, automation, quantum computing, bioinformatics, precision agriculture, renewable energy, climate science, digital health, smart manufacturing, FinTech and innovation management.

The minister stressed integration of AI literacy, digital skills, data analytics, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and problem-solving across all degree programmes.

Referring to the URAAN Pakistan vision, he said the demographic dividend can only be realised through future-ready skills development.

“Our goal is to transform higher education into a talent-development ecosystem producing innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs and globally competitive professionals,” he added.

HEC has been asked to submit within 60 days a national audit framework, recommendations for new disciplines and a road-map for aligning higher education with labour market needs.

The initiative is part of the broader human capital development agenda under URAAN Pakistan, focusing on youth empowerment and knowledge-based economic transformation.