12 August 2025: The Khadija-tul-Kubra Business Incubation Center (K-BIC) at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) convened its 2nd Steering Committee Meeting on 12th August 2025 at Syndicate Hall, Bushra Mateen Building, LCWU. The session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Uzma Quraishi, Vice Chancellor LCWU, who warmly welcomed the committee members and shared LCWU’s vision of advancing women’s empowerment by fostering entrepreneurship, enhancing employability, and delivering quality education that equips women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to achieve financial independence and make meaningful contributions to Pakistan’s economy.
Prof. Dr Uzm Quraishi, VC, LCWU, congratulated Director K- BIC for achieving X Category of HEC, the only women university to have been able to compete with the top universities of the country.
Dr. Maria Anjum, Director K-BIC, presented an overview of the center’s operations, highlighting its recognition by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as a Category X Business Incubation Center.
The meeting was attended by distinguished committee members including Mr. Abrar Ahmad [Deputy Director Research & Innovation, HEC], Mr. Hassan Syed [Founder & CEO, ASPIRE Inc.], Mr. Syed Taimoor Hasan [Director BIC, Foundation University Islamabad], Mr. Raza Rashid [Manager Innovation, TREET Group], Engr. Usama Bin Mansoor [Deputy Manager Projects, Ignite – Ministry of IT & Telecom (MoITT)], Mr. Ahmed Mujtaba Khan [Manager Entrepreneurship & Market Expansion Strategy, INNOVISTA], Mr. Muhammad Ismail Nasir [ Co-Founder & CEO, EKKO (Pvt) Ltd[, Ms. Nadia Tahir [K-BIC] and K-BIC Consortium Partners including Mr. Ali Raza [Professional Development Center, Virtual University (VU)] and Dr. Sunniya Rasool [BIC, Fatima Jinnah Medical University (FJMU)].
During the session, the Vice Chancellor reiterated her commitment to transforming K-BIC into a National Women-led Incubation Center (NIC) that will support women entrepreneurs across Pakistan, mirroring LCWU’s inclusive outreach.
The committee commended LCWU’s efforts in equipping female students with practical entrepreneurial skills. The discussion focused on aligning K-BIC’s operations, and human resources with HEC policy guidelines, and reviewing financial sustainability plan, aimed at ensuring the center’s long-term operational viability. The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to strengthen collaborations and expand K-BIC role in shaping a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pakistan.