The Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) had the honor of hosting Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, for the inauguration of its state-of-the-art design and e-Commerce Centre.
The visit marked a significant milestone in strengthening academia-industry linkages and promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation in Pakistan’s design sector.
A detailed briefing on PIFD was presented to the honorable guest. During the presentation, it was highlighted that the newly established Design and E-Commerce Centre aims to provide cutting-edge facilities for students, designers, entrepreneurs, artisans and industry professionals. The Centre will serve as a hub for research and development, product design, digital marketing, and online business development, with a particular focus on supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and emerging startups. It will also facilitate collaboration among artisans, designers, and industry stakeholders, while enabling students to gain hands-on experience in digital entrepreneurship.
This initiative aligns with Pakistan’s E-Commerce Policy and contributes to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly in quality education, decent work, and responsible consumption. Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar appreciated the efforts of PIFD in aligning its academic and research initiatives with national priorities, especially in fostering value-added exports and enhancing Pakistan’s presence in global digital markets. He emphasized the importance of integrating design education with e-commerce capabilities to empower youth and promote sustainable economic growth. He further emphasized that faculty development and training programmes must be strengthened and continued, alongside sustained collaborations with both local and international institutions, to ensure academic excellence and global competitiveness.
He also commended the vision and leadership of Prof. Hina Tayyaba Khalil, Vice-Chancellor, PIFD, acknowledging her significant contributions over the years. He also appreciated the efforts of the faculty and staff and their contributions to advancing design education.
Prominent dignitaries from the industry were also present on the occasion and appreciated PIFD’s continuous efforts to maintain strong industry linkages and prepare students for the professional world. Notable attendees included Mian M. Kashif Ashfaq, CEO, Chenone Stores Ltd.; Syed Ahtesham Mazhar, Chairman, PLGMEA; Mrs. Sehyr Saigol, Chairperson, PFDC; Mr. Azfar Hassan, CEO, Intermoda Brands; Mr. Agha Saiddain (Member, BICEFE); Mr. Saad Ali, CEO, Pakistan Fashion Design Council; Mr. Rizwan Amjad, CEO, National Furniture; and Mr. Adil Mukhtar, Deputy Director (E-Commerce), TDAP. The inauguration of the Design and E-Commerce Centre reflects PIFD’s commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and its role in advancing Pakistan’s creative economy.
