ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday highlighted the importance of edu-cation in shaping Pakistan`s future and called on universities to play a pivotalrolein equippingstudents to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Speaking at the 25th degreeawarding ceremony of Iqra University Islamabad, he urged the graduating classes of 2023 and 2024 to embrace the changing world with knowledge, innovation and a commitment to national progress.

The ceremony held at the Jinnah Convention Centre celebrated the hard work and dedication of over 500 graduates, marking a signifi-cant milestone in their academic journey.

`The world around us is changing fast. Technological advances such as AI, Machine Learning, Genomics, Internet of Things, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing necessitate our students to develop theirfaculties to match the new requirements of the job market,` said Mr Gilani.

He emphasised the importance of cognitive, socio-emotional and digital learning skills to ensure employability in this new era.

He added, `As we transition to a knowledge economy, we see a shiftfrom traditional growth factors to building human and intellectual capital for sustainable increase in GDP.

The predominant source of influence in the modern world stems from information, intelligence, and insight rather than physical power or natural resources.` Drawing inspiration from renowned futurist Alvin Toffler, Mr Gilani quoted, `The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.` He urged educational institutions to beproactive in fostering critical thinking, innovation, and leadership in students, thereby contributing to Pakistan`s economic and social growth.

The Senate chairman also emphasised the need for collaboration between the government, academia, and parliament to ensure that Pakistan`s youth are equipped with the tools to thrive.

`We must work together the academia, the parliament, and the government to ensure excellence and innovation in education,` he said.

He mentioned the improvement inthe quality of education provided at Bahauddin Zakaria University and said hundreds of students were sent on fully funded scholarships abroad through the university.

Mr Gilani also quoted Pakistan`s founder Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, who said, `Pakistan is proud of her youth, particularly the students who have always been in the forefront in the hour of trial and need. You are the nation`s leaders of tomorrow and you must fully equip yourself by discipline, education and training for the arduous task lying ahead of you.