FAISALABAD: Pakistan’s industrial sector faces a dearth of efficient and capable workforce to cope with emerging challenges, as the majority of our institutions are merely handing out degrees while the rest of the world is racing ahead with skills and innovation.
Former central chairman of the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association Haji Salamat Ali expressed these views while talking with WealthPK.
He said artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping every industry in the world except Pakistan where classrooms are outdated and textbooks dusty. He said the industry needs an efficient, capable and tech-savvy workforce to progress and cope with emerging challenges.
“It’s praiseworthy that our government is focusing on higher education to improve the literacy rate and address future challenges. However, the higher education must be practical, modern, and inclusive to be truly effective. For a strong Pakistan, we must invest in students wisely — not just by handing out degrees,” he urged.
“We need skilled people who can efficiently thrive in the real world. New challenges are emerging with every passing day, and we cannot survive by producing graduates with only theoretical knowledge. If we want to compete globally, now is the time to build a smart and skilled workforce,” he added.
Talking with WealthPK, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, a faculty member of Government College University, Faisalabad, said the current scenario demands that the goal of educational institutions must go beyond awarding degrees.
“We need to teach our graduates how to solve problems, think out of box, and exhibit their skills in teams. Our educational institutions still rely heavily on textbooks and traditional teaching methods. Students cannot be prepared for real-world jobs unless they are exposed to hands-on learning through labs, workshops, and field visits.
“It’s ironic that most graduates lack even basic soft skills. They don’t know how to speak confidently, manage their time efficiently, or collaborate in a team. Even in this era of information, many are not familiar with the concept of workplace culture,” he said.
Dr Ashraf said industries today need efficient graduates who can perform from day one. The current situation demands that our universities collaborate closely with the industry.
“Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial – especially to provide internships and real-time experiences to students,” he suggested.
Ali Raza, an MPhil scholar, told WealthPK that it’s an established fact that education isn’t just about passing exams, rather it’s about preparing for life and meeting challenges head-on.
“Globally, education is shifting toward practical learning so that nations can advance and prosper. Currently, most our institutions – from schools to universities – operate like factories producing paper degrees. We don’t need such factories. What we genuinely need is the institutions with the capacity of producing thinkers, doers, and creators.
“Without developing entrepreneurial skills in our graduates, we cannot compete on the global stage. Sooner or later, we have to accept that our curriculum is not aligned with our requirements and international standards. We must start valuing skills as much as certificates – and this mindset must be instilled in our youths,” he said.
He said creativity, innovation and problem-solving approaches help nations thrive. This is no longer an era of rote memorization – it’s time to apply skills in the real world.
“We must ask people at the helm to demand more from our universities, invest in technical education, and take educationists into confidence for meaningful reforms. Because the future isn’t waiting — and neither should we,” he suggested.