Islamabad: As part of an ongoing training initiative, two pivotal sessions focusing on strategic planning and leadership roles within universities were conducted today.

The first session, “Strategic Planning and Implementation in the University,” was led by Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti, an academic expert in strategic planning and former Rector of Virtual University. Dr. Bhatti, a decorated recipient of the national honors Tamgha-i-Imtiaz and Sitara-i-Imtiaz, presented the fundamental elements of institutional planning. He covered topics such as environmental scanning, defining mission and vision, and setting strategic goals. Furthermore, he discussed the development of action plans and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms. Dr. Bhatti underscored the significance of collaboration, transparency, and adaptability in achieving strategic objectives.

In the second session, titled “Organs and Functions – A University Perspective for Leadership Roles,” Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor of Fatima Jinnah Women University, addressed the participants. Recognized with the Pride of Performance award, Dr. Mirza discussed leadership development in academia, focusing on the levels of leadership and the evolving responsibilities of university leaders. She emphasized the critical role of Vice Chancellors, advocating for academic and administrative competence, moral integrity, sound decision-making, and the capacity to lead with vision and empathy.

The training program aims to strengthen institutional capacity and leadership within the higher education sector.

In a subsequent meeting, Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhatti and Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza met with Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Sayed, President of the International Islamic University Islamabad. The meeting served as a platform to explore potential avenues for bilateral cooperation in the field of education.