ISLAMABAD: Serena Hotels, as part of its Public Diplomacy initiative Raabta, organized a panel discussion focused on addressing the challenges and opportunities related to access to higher education in Pakistan.
The event aimed to shed light on the limited access and lack of awareness among talented students, which hinders social mobility, perpetuates inequality, and constrains the country’s progress. The panel brought together experts, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to explore barriers, discuss effective strategies, and propose actionable recommendations to enhance higher education access in Pakistan.
The Raabta event was attended by representatives from academia, non-profit organizations working on education outreach, members of diplomatic missions, government officials, and students from various colleges and universities. The panel comprised distinguished educators and policymakers, including Dr. Osman Hasan, Pro-rector Academics NUST, Mr. Saleem Abdul Razaque, Programme Director USEFP, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission Pakistan, and Ms. Sarah Pervez, Head of Education, British Council.
Higher Education Commission’s Efforts
The discussion focused on the role of various frameworks and institutions in providing education at all levels, with particular emphasis on the Higher Education Commission’s efforts to create inclusive opportunities for all genders. The experts highlighted the importance of removing barriers and improving accessibility to higher education, ensuring equal opportunities for talented students across the country.
Following the panel discussion, a Question & Answer session engaged the audience, comprising students from diverse educational institutions. The panel of experts addressed their queries and informed them about available outreach programs aimed at nurturing future leaders. To ensure inclusivity, the discussion was broadcast live, allowing those unable to attend in person to participate and access the discourse.
The panel discussion served as a platform for stakeholders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and propose actionable solutions to bridge the divide and enhance access to higher education in Pakistan. By addressing the challenges and exploring effective strategies, the event aimed to contribute to a more equitable and progressive educational landscape in the country.
