Habib University on February 27 welcomed the Federal Minister for Education, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, to the campus for what he later termed as “an inspiring visit” and to gain a better understanding of the University’s mission and values.
The Federal Minister for Education was received on arrival by HU President Wasif Rizvi and HU Foundation CEO Mr. Parvez Ghias who graciously welcomed the Federal Minister to the University for a campus tour and an overview of the University’s curriculum, students, faculty and long-term mission.
During the campus tour, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood was shown the University’s various cutting-edge facilities including, classrooms, faculty pods, lecture halls, library, and sports facilities. He was also shown the University’s innovative Student Center, its spacious courtyards and the Amphitheater.
To gain a better understanding of their functionalities, the Federal Minister was told about each of these facilities and the how the University’s unique space creates a sense of community amongst students, faculty and administrative officials.
As Pakistan’s premier Liberal Arts and Sciences University, HU’s transdisciplinary approach to higher education is focused on transforming the academic experience for undergraduate students. In that regard, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood was told about the background and history of the University, which was initiated after a generous endowment —the largest in Pakistan’s history— made by the renowned Habib Family.
He was also explained about the University’s transdisciplinary curriculum, which combines a science-based education with a Liberal Arts core, unique in the Pakistan context.
Following the campus tour, President Wasif Rizvi made a presentation for the Education Minister, in which he explained about higher education in Pakistan, the challenges being faced, and how the country has to change direction in order to be globally competitive. As a developing country, Pakistan faces many challenges regarding higher education, including how to manage a growing youth bulge and providing opportunities for them.
In the presentation, President Wasif Rizvi spoke about three challenges that higher education faces in Pakistan, including the intellectual experience, access challenge for students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and philanthropic challenge.
Mr. Shafqat Mahmood inquired about the student body, as well as the faculty and intellectual environment at Habib University. He was greatly impressed by architecture of the campus, the model of education presented by Habib University and praised the initiatives it has made in Pakistan’s higher education environment. The Federal Minister also praised the student-centeredness of the institute and said that students who graduate from Habib University will be a great asset for Pakistan.
