Publications
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
The University of Faisalabad premises were fully transformed to reflect the “Career Link 26 – Where Ambition Meets Opportunity” theme, the Placement Bureau, TUF, welcomed corporate delegations, academic leaders, industry managers, CEOs, and aspiring professionals, creating an atmosphere of momentum and purpose. The event hosted over 100 national and international organizations and engaged more than 2,500 students and alumni, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub of professional opportunity. Designed as a strategic initiative to bridge the gap between academia and industry, Career Link 26 provided a robust platform for talent engagement, recruitment, and professional networking. Registration desks remained actively engaged as graduates and final-semester students submitted their professional profiles for a wide range of job and internship opportunities, setting an energetic tone for the event.
Leadership Perspectives: Addressing the Industry-Academia Gap
The formal ceremony commenced with the address of Mr Farooq Yousaf Sheikh, President of the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), as the Chief Guest. Mr Farooq Yousaf Sheikh commended TUF for its proactive role in bridging the industry-academia gap. Mr Sheikh highlighted that bringing over 100 top-tier companies directly to the campus provides the industry with immediate access to a pool of skilled talent. He reiterated that the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster entrepreneurial mindsets and practical skill development to ensure national economic growth.
Prof Dr Aman Ullah Malik, Rector, TUF, emphasized that the core mission of The University of Faisalabad extends beyond the classroom, focusing heavily on the integration of academic theory with industrial practice. He highlighted that "Career Link 26," through its consistent success across the years, serves as a testament to the university’s active role in building robust industrial-academia linkages. This ongoing effort ensures that the curriculum remains aligned with the evolving needs of the global market, effectively preparing students to meet contemporary professional challenges.
Mr Omer Farooq Qureshi provided a comprehensive overview of the "Career Link 26" vision, detailing the rigorous preparation involved in bringing together 100 diverse companies under one roof. He explained that the Placement Bureau’s goal is to act as a strategic bridge, transforming the traditional job hunt into a streamlined networking experience. Mr. Qureshi encouraged the 2,500 participating students to view the event as a gateway to understanding corporate culture and expectations, reaffirming that the Bureau will continue to track student profiles to ensure successful internship and career placements.
Panel Discussion 1: "Reimagining Career"
The first high-level panel discussion, "Reimagining Career", at Career Link-26 commenced, bringing together a distinguished group of experts to discuss the shifting paradigms of the modern workforce. The panel featured three prominent industry leaders who provided deep insights into their respective fields:
• Mr Muhammad Muneeb Mustafa (Engineer, Orange Line Metro Train): A TUF Alumnus and 2016 BEE Medalist, Mr Mustafa shared his extensive experience in traction power systems and automation. He discussed how technical expertise is the foundation of professional excellence, drawing from his decade of experience in the biomedical, manufacturing, and metro rail sectors to illustrate how engineers must continuously adapt to complex infrastructure demands.
• Mr Faisal Hayat (Regional Sales Manager, Tapal Tea): With nearly 20 years of diversified experience in the FMCG sector, Mr Hayat focused on "Building Resilient Brands". He provided guidance on navigating dynamic business landscapes, emphasizing that reimagining a career in sales and marketing requires a deep understanding of trade strategy, channel management, and the ability to drive sustainable growth in competitive markets.
• Mr Mirza Usman (CEO, Netixsol): A certified Blockchain Developer and Web3 expert, Mr Usman explored the future of decentralized technology. He motivated students to look beyond traditional roles, explaining how innovation in fintech, smart contracts, and the metaverse is shaping modern careers. His core message, "Background doesn't define your future — skills do," resonated strongly as he encouraged students to embrace the emerging opportunities within the global blockchain solution space.
Inaugural Ceremony and Corporate Interaction
The formal inaugural ceremony of Career Link 26 was presided over by the Chief Guest, Mr Farooq Yousaf Sheikh, President FCCI, marking the official opening of the recruitment drive. He was joined by Mr Muhammad Haider Amin, Chairman Board of Governors, TUF, Prof Dr Aman Ullah Malik, Rector, TUF, and Dr Zahida Maqbool, Registrar.
Following the ceremony, the dignitaries toured the main arena, where they interacted with recruiters at various corporate stalls. The guests took a keen interest in the diverse range of industries represented—including banking, pharmaceuticals, and IT—while observing the vibrant interaction between the talent on display and the hiring teams.
Booths and Recruitment
Over 100 stalls were set up by leading organizations across the banking, pharmaceutical, IT, and textile sectors. These booths became centers of activity where HR professionals conducted on-the-spot resume screenings and initial screenings, providing students with immediate feedback on their employability.
As the day progressed, the intensity of recruitment increased. Many companies held on-site interviews, resulting in several graduates receiving Job Offer Letters on the spot. This direct hiring process underscored the trust industries place in the quality of education provided by TUF.
Networking, Breakout Sessions, and Executive Talks
Parallel to the main arena activities, the event featured specialized Breakout Sessions and Executive Talks, which served as a bridge between high-level industrial strategy and student career planning. These sessions were structured into three core interactive tracks featuring distinguished industry leaders:
• Technical Mastery & Engineering Innovation
Led by Mr Muhammad Muneeb Mustafa (Engineer, Orange Line Metro Train), this session focused on the transition from academic projects to large-scale industrial systems. A TUF Alumnus and 2016 BEE Medalist with over a decade of experience in automation and traction power, he showed students how to apply theoretical engineering principles to real-world infrastructure challenges.
• The Future of Tech & Decentralized Systems
In a high-energy session, Mr Mirza Usman (CEO, Netixsol) interacted with students about Blockchain and Web3. As a certified expert and founder of Web3 Geeks, he explored how decentralized technology is shaping modern careers in fintech and the metaverse, emphasizing that specific technical skills define a graduate's future.
Panel Discussion 2: "Network Dynamics"
In the afternoon, the second panel discussion, "Network Dynamics", delved into the power of professional ecosystems and the "hidden job market". The session emphasized how strategic relationships and global collaborations serve as catalysts for career advancement. The panel featured industry experts who shared their personal journeys and strategies for building influential networks:
• Mr Sufyan Fiaz (Product Development Manager, Interloop): A TUF Alumnus in Textile Engineering with over 11 years of experience, Mr Fiaz discussed "The Art of Global Collaboration". Drawing from his experience in developing products for international brands like HUGO BOSS, he explained how connecting local creativity with global standards can open doors to premium international career opportunities.
• Mr Muhammad Jahangir Ali (Sales Head, Nayatel): With over a decade of experience in corporate sales and organizational development, Mr Ali spoke on "Turning Strategy into Measurable Results". He provided practical tips on building high-performing teams through networking and emphasized that a data-driven, results-oriented approach is key to gaining visibility within professional circles.
Empowering Citizens: Awareness Sessions
Throughout the event, the Placement Bureau, coordinated vital awareness walkthroughs and specialized sessions designed to equip students with practical civic knowledge and professional tools. The awareness track featured two primary segments:
• Civic Responsibility and Traffic Safety (Led by Dr Mubashar, Incharge Traffic Education Unit, Faisalabad): In an interactive session, Dr Mubashar educated students on the essential parameters of road safety. He emphasized that university students play a key role as stakeholders in reducing road crashes by developing a strong civic sense and adhering to traffic regulations such as speed limits and the use of safety gear.
• Digital Identity and "Pak ID" Services (Led by Mr Noman, Assistant Director, NADRA): Mr Noman, representing the NADRA team, provided a detailed overview of how students can use the app to apply for digital identity documents directly from their smartphones. The session guided participants through the digital onboarding process, including biometric verification and document uploading, highlighting how NADRA's digital infrastructure ensures secure, real-time identity authentication for access to public and private services.
Closing Ceremony and Souvenir Distribution
The event concluded with a prestigious closing ceremony, celebrating the successful collaboration between the university and its corporate partners. As a token of appreciation for their role in empowering the next generation of professionals, commemorative souvenirs were distributed to the participating companies and executive guests. The distribution was led by Mr Muhammad Haider Amin, Chairman Board of Governors, Prof Dr Aman Ullah Malik, Rector, and Mr Omer Farooq Qureshi, Manager of the Placement Bureau.
