Visionary leadership in higher education is shaped through global engagement, regional collaboration, and informed participation in policy discourse. Reflecting this commitment, the University of Loralai was honored to represent Pakistan at the South Asian Regional Conference on the State of Higher Education and Future Pathway (SARCHE 2026), held at Hotel Le Méridien, Dhaka, Bangladesh, through the participation of its Vice Chancellor, Engr. Prof. Dr. Ehsanullah Kakar.

The prestigious high-level regional conference was jointly organized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh and the World Bank, bringing together senior policymakers, Vice Chancellors, rectors, higher education leaders, and international researchers from across South Asia and beyond. The conference focused on strategic reforms, governance innovation, digital transformation, and future pathways for strengthening higher education systems in the region.

The inaugural session was graced by the Honorable Chief Adviser as the Chief Guest, while the Honorable Education Adviser and Education Secretary attended as Special Guests. The welcome address was delivered by UGC Member Professor Dr. Tanjim Uddin Khan, and the session was chaired by the Honorable Chairman, University Grants Commission (UGC), Bangladesh. Nearly two hundred Vice Chancellors and senior academic leaders from home and abroad participated in the conference.

Representing Pakistan alongside other distinguished national leaders, Engr. Prof. Dr. Ehsanullah Kakar, Vice Chancellor University of Loralai, participated as part of a high-profile Pakistani delegation that included:

Dr. Farid, Member, HEC Commission

Prof. Dr. Arbella Bhutto, Vice Chancellor, SABS University

Dr. Zia-ul-Haq, Executive Director, HEC

Mr. Syed Naveed Shah, Director (M&E), HEC

Gen. Shahid Kiani, Rector, NUML

Dr. Raheel Qamar, Rector, COMSATS University

The participation of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Loralai at this eminent international forum underscores the growing regional and international recognition of the University and reflects its strong commitment to academic leadership, policy engagement, and cross-border collaboration in higher education.

The University of Loralai takes pride in being part of this important regional dialogue and reaffirms its resolve to contribute meaningfully to higher education reforms while aligning institutional development with emerging global best practices.