Strong industry-academia linkage vital for Economic growth, employment:Saif Ur Rehman

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2026) Coordinator to the Federal Tax Ombudsman Saif Ur Rehman on Sunday emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia.

He said a robust partnership between educational institutions and businesses was essential for sustainable economic growth, innovation and employment generation.

Speaking to a delegation of Elite Club from Shorkot, District Jhang, led by Group Captain (Retd) Muhammad Iqbal Jatt, he said closer industry-academia cooperation would improve employability, enhance productivity and promote innovation, competitiveness and investment across various sectors of the economy.

He said a coordinated approach involving academia, industry and government would help develop a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting future economic demands and positioning Pakistan for long-term prosperity and global competitiveness.

Saif Ur Rehman stressed that industrialists should play an active role in shaping educational outcomes by sharing market insights, identifying future skill requirements and contributing to curriculum development. He added that educational institutions must align their academic programs with emerging industry needs to ensure graduates possess relevant and market-driven skills.

He added universities should transform themselves into centers of applied research, innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship. Research activities within academic institutions, he added, should focus on addressing real-world industrial challenges and developing products, services and technologies that contribute directly to economic development.

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On the occasion, delegation leader Group Captain (Retd) Muhammad Iqbal Jatt highlighted the growing disconnect between academic qualifications and the practical skills demanded by employers.

He said thousands of graduates enter the job market every year, but many face difficulties in securing suitable employment because their education does not adequately reflect contemporary industry requirements.

He said bridging this gap required structured and long-term partnerships among educational institutions, industry stakeholders and government organizations. Academic institutions at all levels, he added, should work closely with businesses to design curricula that equip students with relevant technical, professional and digital competencies.

Muhammad Iqbal Jatt also stressed the importance of integrating industry-driven certifications, apprenticeships, internships and vocational training programs into the educational process. Such initiatives, he said, would provide students with valuable hands-on experience and practical exposure before entering the workforce, thereby improving their employability and professional readiness.

He said that a stronger industry-academia partnership would not only help address unemployment challenges but also contribute significantly to economic development, technological advancement and national competitiveness.