Vice Chancellor University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) Nasir Jamal Khattak, emphasized the need to revive the institutional role of universities and promote genuine academic visibility during the Vice Chancellors’ Conference on Networking, Research and Academic Collaboration organized by CISS AJK in Muzaffarabad.

Speaking on the theme “Academic Visibility and Outreach: Reviving Institutional Role,” Prof. Dr. Khattak highlighted that cosmetic visibility and ranking-driven approaches cannot replace authentic academic achievement. He underlined the importance of diversity, structural reforms, and active leadership engagement to address the challenges faced by universities in AJK.

He further questioned what the state expects from its universities and urged academic leaders to work collectively to realign their institutions with national priorities and societal needs.

The conference concluded with a joint communiqué outlining collaborative measures to strengthen research, curriculum development, and digital learning across universities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Other speakers and participants included Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training; Zafar Iqbal Malik, Minister for Higher Education AJK; Dr. Anila Kamal (Women University AJK, Bagh); Brig. (R) Prof. Dr. Muhammad Younus Javed (Mirpur University of Science and Technology); Lt. Gen. (R) Dr. Asif Mumtaz Sukhera (Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University); Muhammad Imtiaz Aqdas (Al-Khair University, Bhimber); and Prof. Dr. Khawaja Farooq Ahmed (University of Haveli).