Pakistani Tech Hero Mr. Imtiaz Rastgar Guidance to the National Skills University Islamabad Industrial Advisory Board

Industrial Advisory Board Meeting of the Mechanical Engineering Technology Department, National Skills University Islamabad

Mr. Imtiaz Rastgar's journey is a powerful reminder of the value of practical knowledge and entrepreneurial spirit. Recently, Mr. Rastgar graced the National Skills University Islamabad's Industrial Advisory Board Meeting, a crucial platform that bridges the gap between academia and industry, hosted by the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology. His story is not just one of success but an example worth following to reimagine how we define education, achievement, and impact.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Founding Vice Chancellor of the National Skills University Islamabad, rightly hailed Mr. Rastgar's life as a "learning lesson for youth." Comparing him to the legendary Dr. Hilary Koprowski, a music doctoral graduate who pioneered the oral polio vaccine. In Mr. Rastgar's case, a commerce degree from Hailey College laid the foundation for a career that would transcend traditional expectations, leading to the establishment of the Rastgar Group. This conglomerate employs to many and exports high-quality wheel hubs and components to over seventy countries, including the U.S., Japan, and Russia.

What sets Mr. Rastgar apart is his belief in the supremacy of knowledge over mere credentials. At 18, he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, eschewing the conventional job-seeking path to build something enduring. From the outset, he prioritized technical acumen in areas such as manufacturing processes and product design, and an innovative approach, enabling him to create a globally competitive brand with minimal resources. His message to today's youth is crystal clear: focus on acquiring these specific skills and knowledge, not just degrees.

This ethos has powered Rastgar Engineering Company since its inception in 1967. Specializing in ductile iron wheel hubs and wheel-end components, the company has set benchmarks in quality and reliability underpinned by state-of-the-art manufacturing and rigorous testing. For Mr. Rastgar, engineering is not merely a profession but a commitment to excellence. This vision aligns seamlessly with his inspiration, Dr. Edwin Land, the inventor of the Polaroid camera, who transformed his fascination with physics into groundbreaking inventions despite not completing his undergraduate studies.

Mr. Rastgar is an icon of technologists in Pakistan who captivates the audience with a blend of humility and insight. His approach reflects a philosophy deeply rooted in self-reliance and global ambition. He emphasized that if given the chance, he would chart the same course again, a testament to his satisfaction with his life's work and his unwavering belief in his methods.

Prof. Mukhtar praised his team, particularly Dr. Irfan Ahmad Gondal, for bringing world-class technologists like Mr. Rastgar to the Industrial Advisory Board of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology.

It is pertinent to mention here that National Skills University Islamabad Mechanical Engineering Technology undergraduate students will spend a year of industrial training (internship) in China. The Tang Educational group has funded this program.

Guidance from the success stories of Pakistani professionals is a powerful tool that can enthuse youth to find new ways of thriving in life. This is surely true for National Skills University Islamabad, which brings scholars and successful technologists to interact with youth studying at the university. Learning from these success stories not only enlightens us but also empowers us to chart our own paths to success. 

Mr. Rastgar's life underscores the need to shift from a degree-centric education model to one that values skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship. By embracing this paradigm, Pakistan can unlock its immense potential, fostering a generation that dreams and dares to build. Mr. Rastgar's story is more than an inspiration; it is a roadmap for national progress. It also highlights the crucial role that institutions like National Skills University Islamabad play in promoting innovation and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, making us all proud and hopeful for the future.