Islamabad : Universities have long been viewed as ‘ivory towers,’ detached from society’s immediate concerns.
But the notion never resonated with Bahria University rector Vice Admiral (r) Asif Khaliq.
To him, academic rigor means active engagement with the world and not withdrawal.
“Some of the most meaningful ideas emerge when we confront real problems directly. At Bahria University, we believe scholarship should not be limited to journals or conferences; it should make a difference in people’s lives. Whether through policy research, social innovation or community projects, we encourage students and faculty to connect their learning with society’s needs," he told 'The News' in a special session.
Believing that universities are gents of positive change in society, the rector has promoted his university’s active involvement in community outreach programmes, policy research, and addressing local challenges through academic expertise.
"We encourage our students and faculty to undertake projects that benefit society, be it through environmental conservation, social welfare initiatives or technological solutions to everyday problems. We believe education should create responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to national development," he said.
In Vice Admiral (r) Khaliq's view, the university is no longer a mere repository of knowledge; it has rather evolved into a crucible for intellectual synthesis and critical discourse.
"The university's duty is not just to inform but to cultivate minds capable of independent thought, ethical reasoning and creative problem-solving in an increasingly interconnected yet fragmented world," he said.
Reflecting on the changing educational landscape, the rector acknowledged the rise of AI as both an existential challenge and an unprecedented opportunity for higher education and stressed the need for moving beyond simply preparing students for jobs.
"We must equip youth for unique human roles that require creativity, empathy, ethical reasoning and complex problem-solving."
With this goal in mind, Vice Admiral (r) Khaliq noted that Bahria University had established the Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence to serve as a dedicated hub for cutting-edge research, hands-on learning and industry collaboration.
According to him, the centre not only facilitates advanced training but also drives innovation across disciplines by integrating AI into areas like healthcare, maritime systems and data science.
In furtherance of this vision, the rector said the university was redesigning its curriculum to emphasise interdisciplinary thinking, emotional intelligence and adaptive learning capabilities to cultivate minds that could navigate ambiguity, synthesise disparate fields of knowledge and maintain human agency in an increasingly automated world.
As Bahria University marks the Silver Jubilee, it now operates seven campuses across Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, offering more than 100 degree programmes supported by over 75 international partnerships and a diverse student body representing 27 nationalities, according to the rector.
He highlighted recent milestones, including the launch of the country’s first Maritime Science and Technology Park, a partnership with Hashoo Group to establish a school of hospitality management, and the inauguration of a state-of-the-art health sciences campus in Islamabad, which received the highest-ever score from the PMDC, underscoring the university’s leadership in higher education and research.
According to Vice Admiral (r) Khaliq, Bahria University, as part of its mission to provide equitable access to quality education nationwide, has expanded thoughtfully, ensuring each campus meets modern academic and industry standards in line with its strategic vision to be a truly national institution operating at global standards.
Complementing this growth, the university is enhancing internationalisation by developing student and faculty exchange programs, launching joint degree pathways, and fostering collaborative research with global partners.
“The goal is to provide Bahria students with a global outlook so that they are not just competitive at home but also confident on the international stage,” he emphasised.
The rector also revealed the development of a comprehensive scholarship framework to provide robust financial support and opportunities for deserving students and said Bahria University was increasing investment in need-based assistance and working to ensure that financial challenges never stand in the way of quality education.
"A key milestone in this journey is the disbursement of Rs1.84 billion in financial aid to nearly 34,000 students in the last 25 years, reflecting the varsity's strong commitment to accessible and inclusive education," he said.
About the key challenges facing higher education today, Vice Admiral (r) Khaliq identified rapid technological disruptions, maintaining academic quality while expanding access, securing sustainable funding and preparing students for a constantly evolving job market.
To tackle these challenges, he noted that Bahria University was strategically digitalising its curriculum, adopting hybrid learning models and strengthening industry partnerships, while its programmes were continuously updated to align with market trends, with a strong focus on nurturing entrepreneurial skills to empower students as both job seekers and job creators.
In a message to students, he noted that education was not just about acquiring knowledge but also about developing character, critical thinking and a lifelong love of learning.
Building on this point, the rector insisted that the way to a brighter future lied in harnessing the power of education and innovation.
