New provinces to bring fresh leadership, meaningful progress for Pakistan: Prof Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman

Islamabad (Web Desk): Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) Chairman Professor Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman has stressed the need for a governance model inspired by the leadership of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

Addressing at an awareness seminar "Pakistan 2030: Challenges, Imkanaat aur Nai Rahein" (Challenges, Possibilities and the Way Forward), organized by the APSUP at Riphah International University Islamabad,  he spoke directly to the youth, emphasizing that "to become a role model, one must first have a role model."

Highlighting the exemplary character and leadership of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he stated: "The Prophet (PBUH) believed in Allah, was known as Sadiq and Ameen (truthful and trustworthy), and brought a change that continues to this day." 

 Paying tribute to Mian Amer Mehmood, he acknowledged his contribution to Pakistan’s educational landscape, noting that “He is among those who gifted the country over 400 colleges and three top universities. On behalf of all of Pakistan, I thank Mian Amer Mehmood — he is a benefactor of the nation.”

Professor Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman also shared insights from APSUP’s recent research into youth employment issues, revealing a significant lack of "clarity of purpose" among young people. He observed that many youth dream of becoming wealthy quickly but lack the resilience to handle pressure.

He emphasized the need for special focus on faculty development in the current education system so that educators themselves can serve as role models for students.

He announced that APSUP would work toward developing such faculty members who can bring real transformation in the lives of the youth.

He urged the audience to seriously reflect on Pakistan’s current governance model.

Expressing optimism, he stated: "I can see Pakistan’s destiny changing." He envisioned a future where new smaller provinces may emerge, new leadership will rise, and new schools and colleges will be established.

Drawing a historical parallel, he said that just as the Aligarh University movement gave rise to a powerful wave of change in the past, the debates and sessions happening in today’s universities could lay the foundation for a new future for Pakistan.

He stressed that individual change is not enough — the entire system, especially the governance model, needs to be reformed. "We must ask ourselves why resources are still out of reach for the common man," he said.

Professor Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman further highlighted the crucial role played by the private sector in education and human resource development, stating: "If the private sector had not stepped in, Pakistan’s educational landscape would have been very different.

The public sector has failed to fulfill its responsibilities, and this gap has been filled by private institutions."