The association actively engages in policy discussions and contributes to the development of policies and guidelines related to higher education. It provides guidance and recommendations based on the collective expertise and insights of its member institutions to ensure that policies align with the needs of the private sector and promote academic excellence, accessibility, and relevance.
APSUP places significant emphasis on cultivating robust collaborations with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, and international organizations. These strategic partnerships serve as the foundation to foster valuable alliances, explore potential funding opportunities, nurture industry-academia linkages, and collectively address common challenges within the higher education sector.
By actively engaging with government agencies, APSUP seeks to facilitate constructive dialogue, contribute to policy discussions, and ensure that the voice of private sector higher education gets represented adequately in decision-making processes. This collaborative approach strengthens the association’s capacity to advocate for policies and reforms that specifically address the unique needs of private sector higher education institutions.
Furthermore, APSUP recognizes the crucial importance of forging strong connections between academia and relevant industries, and actively promotes collaboration between universities and key industry players. By fostering these connections, APSUP aims to bridge the gap between academia and the ever-evolving job market, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge demanded by industries.
In addition to local partnerships, APSUP actively seeks collaborations with international organizations to harness global expertise, share best practices, and enhance the international standing of private sector higher education in Pakistan. These international collaborations provide valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and exposure to global trends and innovations.
Through its extensive network and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, APSUP actively strives to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and create a supportive ecosystem that drives the growth and advancement of the higher education sector in Pakistan.
One notable initiative undertaken by APSUP is the Academic Excellence Awards, which serves as a means to recognize and appreciate seasoned academicians from both public and private sector universities for their universities’ world rankings. This prestigious event, hosted by APSUP, not only fosters networking opportunities but also embodies inclusivity, as it brings together diverse participants and award winners who highly admire the event.
Another prominent event organized by APSUP is SEE Pakistan, the most celebrated platform dedicated to Pakistan’s entrepreneurial community. APSUP hosted the SEE Pakistan 2022, where aspiring entrepreneurs from APSUP member universities had the opportunity to showcase their startups, learn valuable insights from exclusive panel discussions on entrepreneurship, and compete in a startup championship to secure substantial funding for their ventures to thrive.
Rectors’ Conference, an annual networking event organized by APSUP, serves as an ideal platform for key stakeholders in higher education to convene and share their best practices with one another. Through these interactions, participants collectively devise the most suitable educational policies and collaborative strategies to enhance the higher education sector in Pakistan.
APSUP’s commitment to networking and inclusivity in the higher education sector is exemplified through its strategic partnerships, collaborative endeavours with government agencies and industry partners, international collaborations, and the hosting of prestigious events. Through these initiatives, APSUP strives to foster a supportive ecosystem that nurtures the growth and advancement of higher education in Pakistan.
APSUP and Sindh HEC are collaborating to enhance higher education in Sindh through initiatives focused on faculty development, student exchanges, and international outreach.
APSUP and Sindh HEC have aligned on a shared vision to enhance higher education in Sindh, particularly within the private sector. Both organizations are committed to advancing key initiatives that support faculty development, student and faculty exchange programs, and international outreach. By combining efforts in advocacy, policy development, and educational innovation, they aim to create a more robust and globally competitive higher education system in the region, benefiting both institutions and the broader academic community. This collaboration underscores a mutual commitment to fostering educational excellence and expanding opportunities for students and educators alike. These shared goals were discussed in detail during a recent meeting between APSUP and Sindh HEC, where both parties expressed their dedication to working closely together.
APSUP engages in knowledge exchange to drive higher education reforms.
In a strategic move to shape the future trajectory of higher education in Pakistan, Chairman APSUP, Prof. Dr. Ch. Abdul Rehman, engaged in a productive dialogue with renowned academic Prof. Dr. Atta Ur Rehman. The meeting, held in Karachi, focused on leveraging expert insights to inform APSUP’s strategic direction. Prof. Rehman’s extensive experience and knowledge of emerging trends in higher education provided invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. This interaction reinforces APSUP’s commitment to collaboration and innovation in advancing Pakistan’s higher education landscape.
APSUP is committed to inclusivity and has earned significant respect from both federal and provincial governments. Recognizing APSUP’s contributions, government authorities regularly engage the association in policy-making and execution processes. This collaboration was highlighted when APSUP was invited to participate in a special meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad, following a formal invitation from Mr. Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. The delegation from APSUP, led by Prof. Dr. Sumaira Rehman, Rector of Superior University, on behalf of Chairman Prof. Dr. Ch. Abdul Rehman, included esteemed Executive Committee members and the Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed.
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Mian Imran Masood, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Asia; Dr. Abdul Basit, Chancellor of Preston University; Mr. Sabur Sethi, President of City University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar; Mr. Azmat Ali, Member of the Board of Trustees and Controller of Finance at Sarhad University of Science & Information Technology (SUIT), Peshawar; Dr. Ahmed Waliullah Kazi, Vice Chancellor of Isra University; Dr. Ayesha Zahid, Director of Coordination at APSUP; and Mr. Muneeb Ahmed, Chief Organizer of SEE Pakistan and Deputy Director at the Chaudhary Muhammad Akram Center for Entrepreneurship Development (CMACED). Following the meeting, APSUP assured the government of its full support for all proposed initiatives. The association committed to actively participating in and facilitating these programs within its member institutions, reinforcing its dedication to advancing youth engagement and development in collaboration with government efforts.
SEE Pakistan is an embodiment of the entrepreneurial dream of Pakistani youth. The Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP) offers a unique platform for emerging entrepreneurs to exhibit their innovative products at SEE Pakistan.
The Academic Excellence Awards, organized by the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP), celebrate exceptional achievements in the academic sector. These awards recognize institutions and individuals who have made a significant impact on the global stage through their accomplishments in international rankings such as the Times Higher Education and QS Rankings. The event brings together leaders from academia, government, regulatory bodies, and international delegates to honor academic excellence.
Rectors’ Conference aims to develop a cooperative network of Higher Education Institutes of Pakistan and act as a change catalyst to transform the higher education system in Pakistan by providing a platform to exchange ideas and develop a framework for the higher education.