Modernising Education Along Scientific Lines Essential to Meet Future Challenges: Iftikhar Ali Malik

Lahore, November 8 (3D Media): Former President of the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Iftikhar Ali Malik, has stressed the urgent need to modernise Pakistan’s entire education curriculum on the basis of the latest scientific developments to prepare the country for future challenges arising from the rapidly evolving technological revolution, particularly in information technology and artificial intelligence.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, he said Pakistan must focus on technology-driven workforce training to meet global challenges and produce skilled young professionals from universities.

He said education was not merely a social responsibility but also an important economic strategy, as investments in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and digital services could deliver better results only if supported by a skilled and adequately trained workforce.

Iftikhar Ali Malik said Pakistan needed professionals capable of filling existing skill gaps while also developing new products, solving unfamiliar problems and establishing innovative businesses. Alongside technical expertise, analytical thinking, communication skills and the ability to continuously learn must become essential components of the education system.

He emphasised that increasing the number of university graduates alone was not sufficient, as the quality and practical relevance of their education and training were equally important.

He noted that Pakistan’s exports of IT and IT-enabled services reached $4.6 billion during the last fiscal year, with freelancers contributing $1.76 billion.

The former SAARC Chamber president pointed out that millions of people in Pakistan remained employed in low-productivity sectors or informal occupations and often lacked access to training opportunities that could improve their economic prospects.

He said flexible vocational courses, workplace-based training and accessible digital learning programmes could help these individuals acquire additional skills without leaving their existing jobs, thereby improving their earning potential and productivity.

Credit: 3D Media