A productive engagement session with Ms. Raquel King of the Public Engagement Office at the U.S. Consulate Lahore took place this morning with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran, Vice Chancellor, and senior officials of Islamia University Bahawalpur to discuss higher education, academic growth and youth engagement.
The meeting centred on expanding opportunities in entrepreneurship and employability by aligning curricula with practical training and industry linkages. The U.S. delegation later visited the university’s Business Incubation Center (BIC) and observed the teaching practices and operational framework at the Department of Entrepreneurship & Innovation to see how incubation supports student ventures.
Students showcased their business startups and classroom-based entrepreneurial projects, highlighting practical learning outcomes, innovation and early-stage venture development aimed at increasing employability and local economic activity. The demonstrations illustrated how higher education institutions can foster hands-on skills and market-ready ideas among youth in Bahawalpur.
Present from the U.S. Consulate were Mr. Orangzaib, Mr. Ghazenfer Jamal and security incharge Maj. Ferzoq. University participants included Prof. Dr. Jawad Iqbal, Dean Faculty of Management Sciences; Registrar Muhammad Shajee ur Rahman; Director PR Dr. Shahzad Ahmed Khalid; Career Development Officer Ms. Tahira Akhtar; Dr. Shaheer Rizvi, Lecturer; Zaid Siddiqui; and Wadood Ahamd, Security Officer. The visit underlined the importance of international collaboration in strengthening higher education and entrepreneurship pathways for youth in southern Punjab.
