Pakistan, Topi (KPK) – July 23, 2025: A significant milestone in Pakistan’s push for innovation and digital transformation was marked as the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) welcomed a high-powered delegation from HBL, led by its President & CEO, Muhammad Nassir Salim. The visit underlined a growing alignment between academia and industry as both institutions expressed a shared commitment to preparing Pakistan for the challenges of a digital future.
The high-level meeting focused on establishing a strategic partnership between GIKI and HBL to foster an ecosystem of collaborative innovation, talent development, and sustainable growth. The discussions revolved around driving impact in key technological frontiers, including blockchain, cybersecurity, electric vehicles (EVs), AgriTech, spectral analytics, and IP-sharing frameworks—sectors that are poised to shape the next wave of industrial and digital disruption in Pakistan.
Muhammad Nassir Salim highlighted the urgent need to produce graduates who are not just academically proficient, but also job-ready with practical, real-world experience. He proposed co-developing curricula with GIKI tailored to the future of work and emerging digital sectors. Additional initiatives such as structured internship programs, problem-based learning modules, and faculty-industry exchanges were explored as part of HBL’s approach to strengthening the talent pipeline in Pakistan.
The HBL delegation also expressed interest in leveraging the research capabilities at GIKI to support innovation at the enterprise level. The collaboration aims to connect academic research with commercial viability, creating pathways for applied research to contribute meaningfully to national economic development.
Rector GIKI, Professor Dr. Fazl A Khalid (SI), shared GIKI’s extensive R&D contributions in areas like renewable energy systems, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, and EV technology. He welcomed HBL’s involvement in GIKI’s educational ecosystem, particularly in supporting Full Stack Development Bootcamps and offering financial support for students in the form of scholarships, interest-free student loans, and dedicated endowment funds.
The rector also underscored the importance of institutional investment in expanding GIKI’s infrastructure to accommodate the increasing demand for high-quality STEM education. GIKI’s focus on industry-driven academic excellence, paired with HBL’s financial strength and innovation agenda, creates a unique platform to accelerate national progress in critical sectors.
This partnership marks more than just a symbolic visit; it is a call to action to strengthen the bond between academia and the financial sector for long-term, inclusive digital development. As Pakistan looks to compete globally in the fields of fintech, green technology, and emerging sciences, such cross-sector alliances are essential to equip the next generation with the tools and mindset required to lead in a rapidly evolving world.