ISLAMABAD, June 15 (ABC) — China’s decision to redesign university programmes around artificial intelligence, robotics, biomanufacturing, digital trade and smart agriculture offers an important lesson for Pakistan. Experts believe higher education reforms should focus on skills development, employability and stronger links with emerging industries rather than simply increasing the number of degrees.
China links education with industry
China’s Ministry of Education unveiled its 2026 undergraduate catalogue in late April. The catalogue introduced new majors in artificial intelligence, energy systems engineering, agricultural robotics, biomanufacturing and digital trade. The reforms form part of a broader strategy to align higher education with industrial and technological priorities.
For the first time, China has also created an “interdisciplinary studies” category. It includes 15 programmes such as embodied intelligence and brain-computer science and technology. The move reflects Beijing’s growing focus on integrating education, innovation and economic development.
The updated catalogue now includes 883 majors. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Chinese universities added 10,200 undergraduate programme slots. They also discontinued or suspended 12,200 programmes. The changes highlight a continuous effort to keep academic offerings aligned with evolving market requirements.
Pakistan faces skills-employment mismatch
Pakistan faces a very different challenge. According to the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE), more than 31% of degree holders remain unemployed. The figure includes graduates of professional programmes. The situation points to a persistent mismatch between academic qualifications and labour market demands.
Pakistan’s position on the Global Innovation Index 2025 further underscores the challenge. The country ranks 99th among 139 economies. It stands at 124th in innovation inputs, reflecting weaknesses in institutions, human capital, research capacity and infrastructure.
Speaking with Wealth Pakistan, Abul Bari, Headmaster of Government High School Thor Kote and Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) in the Education Department, said Pakistan has started taking small steps toward curriculum modernisation.
He noted that the Federal Board has introduced vocational and technical courses. These include industrial electrician and tourism and hotel management programmes. He said similar reforms should be expanded across educational boards nationwide.
Bari believes China’s approach offers important guidance. He specifically highlighted robotics, machine learning and smart agriculture as areas where Pakistan can learn from China’s experience.
“Pakistan can also adopt this model to upgrade existing degree programmes and align them with modern commercial and industrial requirements,” he said.
He urged the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to introduce programmes that equip students with practical skills and industry-relevant expertise. According to him, universities should move beyond a heavy focus on theoretical learning.
Bari said Pakistan must pursue a balanced strategy. The country should invest in research and development for future-oriented disciplines while also addressing longstanding challenges in basic education.
He also highlighted the development gap between the two countries. China has successfully eradicated absolute poverty, while Pakistan continues to struggle with school enrolment and educational access in many regions.
Experts call for industry-focused reforms
Syed Basim Raza, Assistant Director Research at the Institute of Policy Studies, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), described graduate unemployment as a structural issue rather than a temporary trend.
He argued that many academic programmes continue to prioritise theoretical learning. As a result, they fail to maintain meaningful connections with industry requirements.
Raza welcomed HEC’s decision to introduce artificial intelligence courses across degree programmes. However, he said the measure alone would not deliver the transformation required.
“Adding a single AI course to an otherwise unchanged curriculum is like putting new tyres on a broken car,” he remarked.
He said Pakistan’s declining innovation indicators reflect deeper weaknesses within the education and innovation ecosystem.
Comparing the two countries, Raza pointed out that China’s creation of a dedicated interdisciplinary studies category demonstrates a far more ambitious approach to higher education reform.
In contrast, Pakistan’s curriculum revisions largely focus on minimum academic standards rather than supporting a broader industrial strategy, he observed.
Raza identified NUST’s robotics and AI initiatives as a positive example. He noted that the projects benefit from the university’s Special Technology Zone status. However, he described such efforts as isolated successes rather than part of a coordinated national framework.
“The Chinese model succeeds because education policy and industrial policy are developed together. In Pakistan, the two often operate independently,” he said.
Building innovation through targeted investment
Raza identified weak communication between industry and academia as one of the biggest barriers to meaningful reform.
To improve outcomes, he recommended concentrating resources on a limited number of high-potential sectors. These include agriculture, energy systems, digital trade and international affairs. He believes these sectors offer strong domestic demand and greater opportunities for industry participation.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen faculty quality, laboratory infrastructure and research capacity. According to him, these foundations are essential for successful reform.
Raza said HEC’s proposal to establish short, skills-focused community college programmes could provide a practical starting point. Such programmes could improve employability and help address labour market needs.
China’s education reforms show the benefits of aligning academic programmes with economic priorities and technological advancement. Experts believe Pakistan can achieve similar progress by developing industry-linked programmes. Stronger collaboration between academia and business is also essential. Investment in research, faculty development and innovation infrastructure will remain critical for long-term growth.