From Multan to the World: University of Southern Punjab’s Global Ascent
Posted 2 weeks ago
At the Global Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX 2025) in Dubai, a marquee event for academic institutions showcasing their global relevance, the University of Southern Punjab (USP) from Multan, Pakistan, made more than a ceremonial appearance. It reunited with its diaspora of graduates, many now driving innovation and economic development across the Middle East. The response was both jubilant and powerful: nostalgia mingled with pride as former students reconnected not just with their alma mater but with a defining chapter of their lives.
As Director General Mr. Saqib Nazir Ahmad aptly observed, “From Multan to Multinational, USP Graduates are Shaping the Future of the World and Bringing Fame to their Beloved Homeland.” His statement encapsulates the very soul of USP, an institution that, though young, has transcended the geographic and socio-economic confines of Southern Punjab.
One doesn’t have to look far for proof. Mr. Nazim Abbas, a member of USP’s pioneering MBA Finance cohort (2010–2012), is now a Portfolio Manager and Investment Consultant in Dubai. “The professional foundation I received at the USP was critical,” Abbas reflected, “not just for my career, but for understanding the global financial landscape.” Another alumnus, Mr. Harman Ashraf, a Project Manager at the Dubai World Trade Center, committed to enhancing USP’s alum network across the UAE and broader Gulf region. Meanwhile, Danish Shabr Ul Hassan, a Technical Engineer and CSO at NBS Dubai credits his skill set, by extension, to his current success in the rigorous training at USP.
These names are not anomalies. They are symbols of a growing legacy of over 20,000 USP graduates, many of whom are building bridges across borders while contributing back to Pakistan through remittances and global recognition. Their success stories, filled with personal triumphs, are not just personal victories but national assets that inspire and make us proud.
The rise of USP is also a parable of ambition and resilience. Born in 2010 as the modest Institute of Southern Punjab, elevated to the university in 2024, USP has swiftly matured into a recognized center of higher learning. In a region historically underrepresented in higher education, USP stands as a beacon of aspiration, opportunity, and transformation.
USP’s transition from institute to university is more than an administrative milestone, it’s a cultural and intellectual pivot. The university’s ethos rests on holistic development. Located on the edge of Multan’s DHA, USP offers more than just academic degrees. It provides a thriving campus life, extracurricular opportunities, and a deliberate emphasis on professional training and social consciousness. Here, a student doesn’t just learn; they evolve—into professionals, leaders, and citizens of the world.
This integrative vision is particularly timely. As global economies demand adaptable, tech-savvy, and culturally aware professionals, institutions like USP are not merely reacting but preparing. They understand that employability now requires more than classroom knowledge; it necessitates emotional intelligence, cultural literacy, and a capacity for lifelong learning. That vision places USP not just in the league of competitive universities in Pakistan but also on the global educational map.
Furthermore, when Pakistan faces multifaceted challenges, from youth unemployment to brain drain, USP offers a compelling counter-narrative. It cultivates talent locally and exports excellence globally, transforming potential liabilities into powerful assets. By excelling abroad and remaining emotionally tethered to their roots, these graduates are Pakistan’s de facto ambassadors. Their remittances fuel local economies. Their achievements reshape stereotypes. Their loyalty builds global credibility for Pakistani institutions.
As we celebrate the stories of USP alums at GETEX 2025, we also witness something more enduring, the making of a modern Pakistani university that embodies tradition and transformation. In a world desperate for hopeful stories, USP offers one grounded in hard work, strategic vision, and an unshakable belief in the power of education.
From the dust-laced streets of Multan to the glittering skylines of Dubai, the journey of the University of Southern Punjab at the GETEX2025 is not just about institutional growth. It is about the audacity to dream and the determination to deliver.
