LAUNCH OF ABIDI’S BOOK: Educationists stress structured career guidance for youth
Renowned educationist, career counsellor and youth development advocate Syed Abidi speaks during the launch of “Understanding Career Counselling: A Practical Guide for Parents, Students, Counsellors and Service Providers” on August 27, 2026.
Islamabad:Career guidance took centre stage at the National University of Technology here on Thursday as leading academics, educationists, policymakers and career development professionals gathered to launch a new practical guide aimed at helping young people make informed choices about their academic and professional futures.
The event marked the launch of “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, while also highlighting the growing need for structured and professional career counselling in the country.
The author 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 said that career selection was 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.”
Mr Abidi said that professional counselling could 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 emphasised the importance of making career counselling more structured, accessible and professionally delivered across educational institutions in the country.
On the occasion, CEO of Malala Fund Nishat Riaz highlighted the importance of empowering young people through meaningful educational opportunities. She said that students, particularly young people who might have limited access to guidance and resources, should receive the necessary support to identify and pursue opportunities that can help them achieve their potential.
“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.”
Founder and CEO of The Millennium Universal College (TMUC) Dr. Faisal Mushtaq 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.
“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 said.
Dr. Faisal Mushtaq 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.
Chairman of the Higher Education Commission Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, who was the chief guest on the occasion, welcomed the publication as a valuable contribution to the national discussion on education, career development and youth empowerment. He emphasised the importance of strengthening career counselling and guidance mechanisms within educational institutions.
The HEC chairman noted that universities and educational institutions had 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.
