
Federal Minister for Education Visits National Skills University Islamabad
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Mr. Shafqat Mahmood visited the National Skills University Islamabad. Upon his arrival, the Vice Chancellor gave a presentation about the achievements and ongoing activities of the University. According to him, 121 students have completed their skills certificates under the Prime Minister’s Hunarmand Pakistan Program. The University has equipped itself to start almost a dozen short courses in various advanced disciplines and will be opening admission for undergraduate education in six programs starting Fall 2021. The Minister was very pleased about the University's transformation from a deserted place to a livable one and ready to embark on academic activities. He advised Vice Chancellor to strengthen the faculty development program in the skills sector and introduce opportunities for visiting faculty.

In his address, the Federal Minister mentioned that National Skills University Islamabad has unique challenges ahead. This institution will integrate skills education starting from basic to advanced levels of research in various disciplines. He asked the Vice Chancellor and the entire faculty including staff to integrate the university's modern skills programs. Significantly, all the university short courses and undergraduate programs should be demand-driven based on job opportunities inside the country and abroad. Mr. Shafqat Mahmood also asked National Skills University to establish links with the industry, and chambers of commerce across the country.
Followed by the initial welcome ceremony, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood planted a tree in the main Auditorium yard and appreciated the auditorium's overall architecture that reflects an Islamic and universal educational theme - opening from the front and back like a book.
During his tour of the university’s laboratories, the Minister assured the Vice Chancellor full support for purchasing the latest equipment related to skills training, so the University should be a role model for skills imparting institutions across the country.