There remains an unabated gap between industry and academia in Pakistan. Industry complains that there is a gulf between what universities teach to their students and how it goes in the market; whereas universities grumble that the industry’s input and willingness to do its part in preparing market-ready students remains few and far between. The debate is enrooted in ongoing criticism and a disconsolate view of the capacity and modus operandi of the universities all across the world, but its concentration is manifold in developing countries like Pakistan. We follow the western education model and curriculum in our universities, which often has little to do with the realities of the Pakistani market, resulting in preparing students who have an inadequate understanding of the local business environment and the challenges faced by local businesses.

Moreover, there are concerns that our curriculum gives the breadth of knowledge and strategic orientation to students, at expense of inculcating knowledge, skills, and attitude required at the entry level. The outcome of this gap between industry and academia does not augur well for any stakeholder. For industry, the limited availability of market-ready students impedes growth, and for students, it is a question of employability. According to the most recent Labor Force Survey of Pakistan, the ratio of unemployed degree holders is three times higher as compared to non-degree holders. For the government, therefore, it is a problem in providing a career path and opportunity to youth for progress, whereas for the universities it brings fierce criticism on their ability to provide quality education.