University of Rawalpindi Joins National Roundtable on Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer
Dr. Muhammad Abubakar, Chairman Board of Governors,University of Rawalpindi, joined in a national roundtable focused on intellectual property, technology transfer, research commercialization, and academia–industry linkages in Pakistan.
The roundtable, titled “Intellectual Property, Technology Transfer and Academia–Industry Linkages,” was jointly organized by IPO Pakistan and YES Pakistan in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Task Force on ORICs and BICs at IPO Pakistan Headquarters, Islamabad. The gathering brought together university leaders, academic researchers, and representatives of relevant institutions for a focused discussion on strengthening Pakistan’s innovation landscape.
Dr. Muhammad Abubakar’s participation connected University of Rawalpindi with a national-level dialogue on how academic research can move beyond universities and contribute to practical innovation, industry needs, and economic development.
Prof. Dr. Hafiz Aziz Ur Rehman, Chairman IPO Pakistan, welcomed the participants and highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection in encouraging innovation, research commercialization, and technology transfer. He also called for closer coordination among universities, industry, and IPO Pakistan.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Javaid Laghari, Convenor of the HEC Task Forces on ORICs and BICs and former Chairman HEC. He emphasized the need to look beyond patent filing numbers and focus on converting university research and innovations into solutions with practical and commercial value.
Participants discussed a range of measures to support this transition, including joint training programmes for ORIC and BIC staff, AI-assisted patent application preparation, improved institutional coordination, dedicated funding for patent filing, and recognition of intellectual property creation and research commercialization in academic promotion criteria.
The session also included Prof. Dr. Mohammad Akmal, Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation; Prof. Dr. Shahzad Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor Health Services Academy; Dr. Abdul Basit, President Preston University and APSUP Federal Chapter; and other academic and research experts. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Muhammad Murtaza Noor, National Coordinator, Inter University Consortium.
For University of Rawalpindi, participation in this dialogue reflects its commitment to engaging with national academic and research initiatives and building meaningful connections with institutions working to advance innovation and knowledge exchange. Under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Abubakar, UOR continues to create opportunities for its academic community to connect with wider developments in higher education, research, and industry collaboration.