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NUTECH hosted an impressive launching ceremony for Understanding Career Counselling: A Practical Guide for Parents, Students, Counsellors and Service Providers, authored by renowned educationist, career counsellor and youth development advocate Syed Abidi, SI & TI. The ceremony brought together leading academics, educationists, policymakers, career development professionals, university students and distinguished guests to celebrate the publication and engage in a meaningful discussion on the growing importance of professional and structured career counselling in Pakistan.

The Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The event also featured prominent speakers, including Ms. Nishat Riaz, CEO of Malala Fund, and Dr. Faisal Mushtaq, Founder and CEO of The Millennium Universal College (TMUC).

The book launch provided an important platform for discussion on the challenges faced by young people as they make critical decisions about their education, professional development and future careers in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global environment.The publication of Understanding Career Counselling comes at a time when students are confronted with an unprecedented range of educational pathways, emerging professions and changing employment requirements.

With technological advancement, artificial intelligence, automation and the changing nature of work transforming traditional career pathways, the need for reliable and professional career guidance has become increasingly important. Speakers at the ceremony emphasized that students can no longer rely solely on conventional perceptions of careers when making decisions about their futures.

The book was described as a timely and practical contribution towards helping students, parents, teachers, counsellors and education service providers better understand the principles and importance of effective career counselling. It seeks to promote informed decision-making and encourage young people to identify educational and professional opportunities that are aligned with their individual abilities, interests, strengths and aspirations.

Addressing the distinguished gathering, Syed Abidi, SI & TI, spoke about the inspiration behind writing the book and his long-standing commitment to supporting students and young people in making informed decisions about their futures. He emphasized that career selection is one of the most significant decisions in a young person's life and should not be based solely on family pressure, social expectations or temporary market trends. According to him, effective career counselling should help students understand themselves before asking them to choose a profession. Young people need opportunities to identify their strengths, interests, abilities, personality characteristics and aspirations before making important educational and career decisions. Syed Abidi highlighted that professional counselling can enable students to explore a wider range of career opportunities and better understand the changing requirements of the local and international employment markets.He said that the objective of career guidance should not simply be to direct students towards a particular profession, but rather to empower them with the knowledge and confidence required to make informed decisions for themselves. He further emphasized the importance of making career counselling more structured, accessible and professionally delivered across educational institutions in Pakistan.

Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Nishat Riaz, CEO of Malala Fund, shared her thoughts on the importance of empowering young people through meaningful educational opportunities. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that students, particularly young people who may have limited access to guidance and resources, receive the necessary support to identify and pursue opportunities that can help them achieve their potential. She emphasized that education should not only provide academic knowledge but should also prepare young people to understand their options, make informed choices and confidently participate in the social and economic development of their communities and countries. Her remarks reinforced the importance of connecting education with opportunity and ensuring that young people are provided with appropriate guidance as they transition from school to higher education and eventually into professional life.

Dr. Faisal Mushtaq, Founder and CEO of The Millennium Universal College (TMUC), highlighted the rapidly evolving relationship between education and employment. He spoke about the changing global landscape and the growing need for educational institutions to prepare students not only with academic qualifications but also with the knowledge, skills and adaptability required for the future. Dr. Mushtaq emphasized that young people are entering a world where career pathways are continuously evolving. New industries and professions are emerging, while many traditional occupations are being transformed by technology and changing economic realities. He stressed the importance of equipping students with the ability to understand these changes and develop the skills necessary to successfully navigate future educational and professional opportunities. His remarks highlighted the crucial role that educational institutions and career professionals can play in helping students prepare for a future that will require continuous learning, adaptability and informed decision-making.

In his address, Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of the Higher Education Commission, appreciated Syed Abidi's efforts and welcomed the publication as a valuable contribution to the national discussion on education, career development and youth empowerment. He emphasized the importance of strengthening career counselling and guidance mechanisms within educational institutions. The Chairman noted that universities and educational institutions have an important responsibility not only to provide academic education but also to support students in understanding their future opportunities and preparing for successful transitions into professional life. He appreciated initiatives aimed at promoting awareness about career planning and informed decision-making among students and encouraged greater attention towards career development services within the education sector.The publication, he observed, contributes meaningfully to discussions surrounding the development of a more informed, skilled and professionally prepared young generation.

The discussions during the ceremony reflected a growing recognition that career counselling should become an integral part of the educational experience. Students today have access to an enormous number of courses, qualifications, universities and professional opportunities, both within Pakistan and internationally. While these opportunities can be beneficial, they can also create confusion for students and parents who may not have access to accurate and reliable information. Professional career counselling can help bridge this gap by providing students with structured information, appropriate assessments and guidance based on their individual circumstances and aspirations.

The speakers agreed that parents, teachers, counsellors, educational institutions and policymakers all have an important role to play in supporting young people through the process of career exploration and decision-making.

The event also highlighted the need to develop stronger links between education, industry and employment so that students can gain a better understanding of the skills and competencies required in the contemporary job market.

The launching ceremony concluded with acknowledgements and appreciation for Syed Abidi’s contribution to education and career development and his continued efforts to promote awareness among students and young professionals.

Understanding Career Counselling was widely appreciated as a practical resource that can benefit not only students but also parents, teachers, professional counsellors and institutions involved in educational and career guidance services. The book encourages a more systematic approach towards career planning and emphasizes the importance of understanding individual potential before making decisions that can significantly influence a person's future.

As Pakistan continues to face the challenges of youth unemployment, changing skills requirements and a rapidly evolving global economy, the importance of effective career counselling is becoming increasingly evident. The launch of Understanding Career Counselling at the National University of Technology marks a significant contribution to the ongoing national dialogue on education, employability, youth empowerment and professional development.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed call for educational institutions, policymakers, parents and career professionals to work collectively towards ensuring that Pakistan's young generation receives the guidance, information and support necessary to make informed choices and build successful futures.

The publication represents not only a book on career counselling but also a call for greater national attention towards helping young Pakistanis discover their potential, identify meaningful opportunities and confidently prepare for the challenges and possibilities of the future.