evisiting education system in Pakistan is important to shape a better future for the country. Education must evolve beyond traditional methods to focus on skills, critical thinking and problem-solving, rather than rote memorisation. The system needs to be inclusive, offering equal opportunities to all students regardless of their socioeconomic background or gender.

The emphasis should be on practical learning, where students are prepared for the workforce with hands-on experience in technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Teachers should be equipped with modern training to promote creativity and innovation in students. Additionally, integrating digital tools and online learning platforms can bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, making education more accessible. Revisiting education also involves encouraging collaboration between public and private sectors to invest in infrastructure, resources and professional development of the educators. By prioritising these changes, Pakistan can create a future-ready generation equipped to tackle global challenges.

Habib University is redefining higher education in Pakistan by focusing on a purpose-driven approach that addresses the country’s academic and industry challenges. Since its inception, the university has been committed to innovation, offering students a learning experience that goes beyond traditional education models. One of its landmark initiatives was the introduction of the Habib Liberal Core Curriculum, which set the foundation for a new kind of learning environment.

In 2016, the university became the first in Pakistan to introduce design thinking as part of its curriculum. This was done in partnership with top international universities to help students get ready for a world that’s constantly changing.

The main idea was to build an education system that goes beyond traditional learning. Instead of just memorising facts, students are taught to think creatively, solve real-world problems and focus on people’s needs. They also learn how to work well in teams and adapt quickly — skills that are now more important than ever.

To make this new way of learning possible, Habib University set up special spaces, where students could work on creative, hands-on projects and learn how to solve real-world problems. These spaces gave students the chance to explore ideas, build things and think differently. In just 10 years, these efforts have helped the university become a leading modern institution. It has not only trained students to meet the changing needs of today’s job market, but also played a major role in changing how universities and industries work together in Pakistan, encouraging greater collaboration between the two.

The university believes that effective collaboration between industry and academia is key to Pakistan’s progress. However, most current relationships between the two sectors are limited to basic job placements, short training programmes and symbolic advisory boards. These connections do not allow for long-term partnerships that could lead to knowledge sharing and meaningful solutions to pressing problems. Habib University aims at changing these dynamics by building more sustainable, knowledge-driven partnerships that involve students, faculty and industry professionals working together.

By working together, schools and industries can create stronger, more practical learning experiences that prepare future leaders to solve real-world problems, think creatively and succeed in a fast-changing global environment.

Industries today are experiencing big changes due to rapid advancements in technology, growing environmental concerns, increased global competition and changing expectations from the consumers. These shifts are forcing the companies to rethink how they operate and stay ahead. To remain competitive, professionals must continuously update their skills, learn to handle constant change, lead teams made up of people from different backgrounds and encourage fresh ideas and innovation within their organisations. This ongoing transformation highlights the immediate need for closer collaboration between academic institutions and the business world. By working together, schools and industries can create stronger, more practical learning experiences that prepare future leaders to solve real-world problems, think creatively and succeed in a fast-changing global environment.

In response to this need, Habib University has launched the Institute of Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship and Leadership, known as IDEAL. This pioneering initiative uses design thinking as the foundation for building stronger connections between students, faculty and industry leaders. IDEAL is designed to bridge the gap between what students learn in school and what is expected from them in the workforce. By combining undergraduate education with design thinking and entrepreneurship, IDEAL helps the students develop critical 21st Century skills like empathy, creativity, collaboration and adaptability.

This institute also empowers professionals by offering executive education programmes tailored to different career stages. These programmes focus on building leadership qualities, encouraging innovation and developing the mindset needed to handle disruption and change. Through intensive workshops, seminars and immersive labs, professionals get the chance to learn from global experts and apply best practices to their organisations.

In addition to benefiting students and professionals, IDEAL serves as a platform for real collaboration between academia and industry. Students from various disciplines will work together on real-life challenges, developing practical solutions and learning from each other. Labs, incubators and cross-sector partnerships will help the students think like entrepreneurs and act like leaders. They will also gain hands-on experience by working directly with industry partners, giving them the tools to solve real-world problems.

IDEAL promotes a strong and open exchange of ideas, not just within the local community, but also across the world. It helps connect people from different backgrounds, encouraging them to share feedback, learn from each other and work together on new and creative solutions. Through this platform, Habib University creates opportunities for students, teachers and professionals to grow and contribute in meaningful ways. By focusing on thoughtful conversations and real-world challenges, it supports the development of a new generation of thinkers, leaders and problem-solvers who are ready to make a positive impact. This effort is a key part of the university’s mission to build a better future for Pakistan through an education that is brave, deeply reflective and full of purpose.

Ali Ousat is a freelance journalist based in Karachi. He mostly writes about environment, climate change, water, sanitation, urban issues, educationand health. He tweets @AliOusat.