Islamabad: The 6th Rectors Conference was held at the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat, jointly organized by the Association of Private Sector Universities Pakistan (APSUP) and COMSTECH in partnership with several leading Pakistani universities. The event saw exceptional participation, bringing together around 170 Vice Chancellors and Rectors from across Pakistan, alongside 40 foreign delegates representing 17 countries.

Prof. Dr. Chaudhary Abdul Rehman, Chairman APSUP, presided over the inaugural session. Dr. Abdul Basit, President APSUP Federal Chapter, delivered the welcome address, stressing the role of academic leadership in national development. Prof. Dr. Sumaira Rehman, Rector Superior University, presented the keynote address titled 'Leading with Character: From Aspiration to Action,' sharing insights from Superior University's leadership framework.

Addressing the ceremony as distinguished guests of honour were Mr. Andrew Halus, Minister Counsellor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy to Pakistan; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH; and H.E. Dr. Dan Stoenescu, Ambassador of Romania to Pakistan. Chief Guest Mr. Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman Prime Minister's Youth Programme, appreciated APSUP and COMSTECH for convening national and international higher education leaders on a unified platform. The session concluded with the distribution of souvenirs, a group photo, and a networking break.

After the inaugural session, the conference moved into four Validation Forums for National Policy Development. The first forum examined Pakistan's governance deficit, focusing on administrative challenges, centralization issues, and the need for a more responsive system.

The second forum addressed the leadership crisis in academia, highlighting the urgency of character-based leadership rooted in integrity.

The third forum centred on higher education reforms, including curriculum modernization, research priorities, policy improvements, and global competitiveness.

The fourth forum provided perspectives from international delegates on academic leadership and governance.

The 6th Rectors Conference reaffirmed the collective commitment of national and international academic leaders to advancing evidence-based policy development and strengthening Pakistan's higher education landscape.