Veteran Education Visionary Dr. Farid Akhtar Khawaja Returns to National Skills University Islamabad, Applauds Its Remarkable Transformation

The National Skills University (NSU) Islamabad had the distinct honor of welcoming Dr. Farid Akhtar Khawaja, one of Pakistan's most respected educationists, scientists, and pioneers in technical and vocational education, during his visit to the University.

Dr. Khawaja, now approximately 77 years old, earned his Ph.D. in Physics and Mathematical Sciences from Moscow State University in the USSR (Russia) in 1976. Throughout his distinguished career, he served as a professor of physics at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. He held several prominent scientific and administrative leadership positions at national organizations in Pakistan before retiring from active teaching and research in 2009.

Dr. Khawaja, a long-serving Director General of the National Institute of Science and Technical Education (NISTE), is widely recognized for his visionary leadership in advancing Pakistan's technical education sector. His pioneering initiatives included the nationwide implementation of Matric Tech and the establishment of technical schools, significantly expanding opportunities for technical education. He is also acknowledged as one of the earliest architects of the idea that ultimately materialized as the National Skills University Islamabad. Furthermore, he prepared the foundational proposal that led to the establishment of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) as an independent federal institution. This milestone transformed Pakistan's skills development landscape.

During his visit, Dr. Khawaja met with Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Saud Altaf; Former Founding Vice Chancellor, Currently Serving as Rector of the University of Southern Punjab, Multan, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar; Chairman, Electrical Engineering Technology Department, Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmad; and senior members of the University's academic leadership. The meeting offered an opportunity to reflect on the institution's remarkable journey from NISTE to Pakistan's premier National Skills University.

Expressing profound satisfaction, Dr. Khawaja highly appreciated the institution's extraordinary transformation into a vibrant, internationally recognized university dedicated to technical, vocational, and higher education. He commended the University's sustained commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and skills development, noting that NSU's continued progress represents the fulfillment of a vision conceived decades ago.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, former Founding Vice Chancellor of NSU, paid glowing tribute to Dr. Khawaja's invaluable services, calling him one of the pioneering architects of Pakistan's modern technical education system. He noted that NISTE's successful evolution into the National Skills University continues the strong foundations laid by visionary leaders like Dr. Khawaja, whose foresight helped shape the country's skills ecosystem.

The visit concluded with a shared commitment further to strengthen Pakistan's technical and vocational education sector, ensuring that the legacy of innovation, excellence, and national service continues to inspire future generations.