Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, has emphasized that the promotion of higher education is fundamental to the development and survival of any nation. He delivered keynote address at the closing ceremony of the Faculty, Leadership and Management Excellence (FLAME) Conference 2025, as chief guest. The event was organized by the Higher Education Commission and was attended by the Chairman of HEC, faculty members, HEC officials, and a large number of distinguished guests.
He remarked teachers, academic administrators, and policymakers are the true architects of a nation’s intellectual and moral future.
Chairman Gilani commended the efforts of the Higher Education Commission, the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE), and the HEDP team, stating that these institutions have sown the seeds of genuine transformation in the education sector by upholding principles of quality, accountability, and innovation.
He stressed that education is not merely a path to employment, but a route to dignity, self-reliance, and societal progress.
Highlighting key aspects of FLAME 2025, he expressed his pleasure that under the HEDP initiative, over 4,000 faculty members, women leaders, and university administrators across 86 public universities received training this year. He termed it not just a training exercise but a transformative step toward a progressive future.
Chairman Gilani said that educational institutions are not just centers for delivering curricula, but pivotal hubs for nation-building. Teachers are not merely conveyors of information—they are the architects of character, the promoters of democratic values, and guardians of intellectual freedom. He also appreciated the vision, transparency, and continued public service efforts of university administrators.
He acknowledged the contributions of global development partners such as the World Bank, the British Council, and others, who have gone beyond infrastructure or training programs to play a critical role in institutional sustainability, self-reliance, and inclusive development.
Chairman Senate made special mention of the Women Empowerment Mentorship Program, stating Pakistan cannot achieve its true potential unless women have equal access to leadership, learning, and opportunities. Gender equity must be an integral part of every educational policy and administrative decision. ” My own daughter remained goodwill ambassador for women empowerment, he informed.
In conclusion, Chairman Gilani emphasized that the end of FLAME 2025 marks the beginning of the real journey. He said that the ideas, strategies, and connections developed during this conference must now translate into policy reforms, institutional culture, and on-ground impact.
Addressing the participants, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani concluded let us move forward with unity, courage, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Our collective strength is the foundation for realizing the dream of a bright, equitable, and prosperous Pakistan.