Pakistan's higher education sector has been in a state of flux for a long time. From regular cuts to funding to scandals about paper mills, the story has not been great. On top of that, research funded by the HEC has not led to innovation on the commercial end, something a country like Pakistan sorely needs.

In this episode, Uzair talks to Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, on what ails this sector, his vision for reforms, and the path forward.

Dr Tariq Banuri holds a PhD from Harvard University and joined HEC as its fourth chairperson. He has extensive experience of working in academia, civil society and national as well as international organisations. He was the member of Steering Committee on Higher Education Reforms, the body that played a vital role in inception of HEC in 2002. He has also worked as Professor of Economics at University of Utah, USA.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:30 What ails higher education today?
14:10 Where does the economy need research-led innovation?
25:50 Building industry-academia collaboration
30:30 Wishlist for reforms
35:50 Reading recommendation

Reading Recommendations:

- Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
- Dominating Knowledge Edited by Frédérique Apffel Marglin and Stephen A. Marglin

Pakistonomy - Episode 116 - Reforming Higher Education

Episode 1 of The Audit drops tomorrow!

We’re talking about dollar flows, trade, the IMF, & how US financial influence shapes Pakistan-US relations.

With Adam Weinstein, featuring Adam Tooze, Haroon Sharif, Musadiq Zulqarnain, & Kulsoom Lakhani

The Audit Episode 01 Teaser

You can't have a conversation about Pakistan-US relations without talking about money. Since the 60s, bilateral ties between the two have been dominated by flows of dollars from Washington to Islamabad. 

Adam and Maryam unpack the intricacies of these dollar flows, with help from Adam Tooze, Kulsoom Lakhani, Haroon Sharif, and Musadaq Zulqarnain.

The Audit - Season 01

Talking Money: How Dollar Flows Have Shaped the US-Pakistan Relationship

Talking Money: How Dollar Flows Have Shaped the Pakistan-US Relationship

This week marks the 21st anniversary of 9/11 – the event that precipitated the US War on Terror and continues to impact the Pakistan-US relationship today. 

Adam Weinstein unpacks the legacy of this imperfect alliance and the conflicts that have shaped it. 

Featuring: Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Ambassador Anne Patterson, Ambassador Husain Haqqani, Congressman Howard Berman, and Jamaat-e-Islami's Asif Luqman Qazi.

An Imperfect Alliance: Diplomacy During War

Since the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan, shifting geopolitical realities across the world suggest a possible shift in Pakistan-US relations. 

How can Pakistan navigate rising US-China tensions? What does the US owe Pakistan as South Asia sees increasing fallout from climate change? How can the two countries move past security as a focal point to broaden bilateral ties?

Learn more in this special episode of The Audit - featuring Michael Kugelman, Director South Asia Institute at the Wilson Center, and Tabadlab's Zeeshan Salahuddin.

Beyond Security: A New Lens for Pak-US Relations?

Pakistan's first podcast focused on the country's economy, simplifying the complex relationships between paisa, politics and the public.

Presented by Tabadlab.

Pakistonomy - Episode 116 - Reforming Higher Education

Tabadlab

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