Influence of Family and Values

Question: How have your father’s values and personality influenced your thinking, leadership style, and approach to education?

Mr. Ibrahim Hasan Murad  : My father’s qualities have been a profound source of inspiration throughout my life. The most important lesson I learned from him is to be purpose-oriented—always think beyond yourself. In every endeavor, whether personal, professional, or educational, the focus should be on creating a lasting impact, contributing to society, and improving the lives of others. By living with purpose rather than chasing profit, you cultivate a legacy of meaningful contributions, foster ethical leadership, and instill values that shape not only your own journey but also positively influence the people and communities around you.

Choosing Education as a Career

Question: Why did you choose to enter the education sector? Was it a decision you always wanted to make?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : Initially, I aspired to become an automotive engineer due to my passion for cars. However, I realized that career path would limit the scale of impact I wanted to achieve. Studying management provided me with a broader platform to drive meaningful change. To deepen my ability to influence and empower the next generation, I pursued a master’s in Educational Leadership and Management. This allowed me to engage youth through education and contribute to shaping the future of the country in a way that goes beyond individual success to societal transformation.

Defining Success and Failure

Question: How do you define success and failure?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : I view success as a continuous journey rather than a fixed destination. It is about consistently striving for greater goals while remaining grateful and content with your progress. Failure, on the other hand, is a powerful teacher an integral part of life’s timeline. By learning from mistakes, embracing setbacks, and reflecting on experiences, failure can be transformed into a stepping stone that fuels growth, resilience, and ultimately, lasting success.

Leadership and Service at UMT

Question: How do you ensure UMT serves students and their families effectively?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : Education is a societal game-changer. At UMT, we focus on access to higher education for marginalized communities, women, and students from remote areas. Our scholarship program funds education for students who cannot afford it, promoting social mobility and long-term societal impact.

UMT Scholarship System

Question: How does UMT’s scholarship system work, and how effective is it?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : Currently, around 64% of our students benefit from scholarships, a significant increase from 40% just five years ago. We follow an open-door policy, ensuring that meritorious students who cannot afford tuition still have access to quality education. Our scholarship system not only broadens accessibility and empowers talented students from all backgrounds but also strengthens UMT’s long-term financial sustainability. By investing in education this way, we create opportunities that transform lives and contribute to societal progress.

Sitara-e-Hilal Foundation

Question: Can you tell us about the Sitara-e-Hilal Foundation?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : The Sitara-e-Hilal Foundation is dedicated to nurturing patriotism and a spirit of service among youth aged 6–12. Through programs that emphasize volunteering, sacrifice, and community contribution, we share inspiring stories of Pakistan’s struggle for independence. Our goal is to instill in the next generation a mindset of serving the nation before self, fostering responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens who are motivated to make a meaningful impact in society.

Role of Youth in Socioeconomic Development

Question: How does UMT contribute to social, economic, and technological development?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : Universities are powerful engines of societal growth. At UMT, we drive economic and technological advancement through innovation parks, research and development initiatives, and by fostering entrepreneurship among students. Equally important is our focus on cultural and ethical education, which ensures that youth develop into responsible, socially conscious citizens. By combining technical expertise with values-based learning, we prepare students to contribute meaningfully to both the economy and society, shaping a generation capable of driving sustainable progress.

Challenges in University Research

Question: Why do universities struggle to implement research effectively?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : Universities often face significant challenges in implementing research due to gaps in knowledge, limited competencies, and insufficient funding. Pakistan’s investment in R&D remains far below that of countries like Israel, India, and South Korea. To bridge this gap, stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and government is essential, creating an ecosystem where research is adequately supported, applied, and translated into innovations that drive economic and technological growth.

Measuring Excellence Beyond Rankings

Question: Is UMT’s focus on rankings or actual impact on students?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : For us, excellence is defined by intention and strategy, not by external recognition alone. At UMT, we design programs that holistically develop students’ skills, health, leadership abilities, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset. True excellence is reflected in the transformation of our students their growth, confidence, and ability to make meaningful contributions rather than just in rankings or accolades.

Making Difficult Leadership Decisions

Question: How do you make tough decisions for the institution while maintaining integrity?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : Tough decisions must always align with your core values and principles. External pressures and social expectations are secondary; what matters most is taking a stand based on what is right and ethical. Upholding integrity ensures that decisions remain sound and principled, even under scrutiny or challenging circumstances, and reinforces trust and credibility within the institution and beyond.

Character Development at UMT

Question: How does UMT focus on character development?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : At UMT, character development is a central focus. We have launched programs that emphasize 21 core qualities, including service, ethics, and spirituality. Students are guided through structured talks, courses, and events that cultivate excellence across academic, professional, personal, and spiritual dimensions. By integrating values-based education with practical learning, we aim to nurture well-rounded individuals who lead with integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to positively impacting society.

Regrets and Decision Reflection

Question: Do you have any regrets in your personal or professional life?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : I have no regrets. Once a decision is made, it is important to stand by it and learn from the outcome. Dwelling on regret is unproductive; energy is better spent focusing on the future and the limitless possibilities it holds. Every experience, whether successful or challenging, becomes a stepping stone for growth and meaningful progress.

Life Lessons from Father

Question: What life lesson did you learn from your father?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : The most important lesson I learned from my father is that humility in success is essential. Regardless of power, wealth, or influence, staying humble allows for continuous growth and meaningful impact. True legacy is measured not by personal achievements alone, but by the extent to which you uplift and help others along the way.

Habits for Personal and National Success

Question: What habit should one develop to achieve personal and national success?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : To achieve both personal and national success, one must cultivate discipline, unity, and a strong faith in one’s purpose. Consistent hard work, perseverance, and adherence to principled leadership following the example of Quaid-e-Azam are key. These habits not only drive individual achievement but also contribute to the progress and prosperity of the nation as a whole.

Preparing Students for the Future

Question: How is UMT preparing students for the future, especially with AI and rapid changes?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : At UMT, we emphasize continuous learning, unlearning, and relearning as essential skills for the future. A winning mindset involves embracing opportunities, adapting to change, and leveraging technology effectively, including AI. Our students are trained to evolve with challenges, think critically, and develop the resilience and agility required to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Inviting Global Leaders to UMT

Question: If you could invite any global leader to UMT, who would it be and why?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : I would consider inviting Donald Trump as an influential choice. Bringing global leaders to UMT not only elevates the institution’s profile but also exposes students to diverse leadership perspectives, inspiring them to think boldly, understand different approaches to decision-making, and learn firsthand the qualities that define impactful leadership on a global scale.

Key Message for Students and Team

Question: What message would you like to share with students and the team?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : My message is to stay grounded in core principles fairness, ethics, and discipline and approach your work with a higher purpose. Avoid shortcuts, as true and lasting success comes from consistent effort and adherence to values. Commitment to these principles not only drives personal achievement but also builds a legacy that positively impacts others and society at large.

Handling Stress and Work-Life Balance

Question: How do you handle stress and maintain work-life balance?

Ibrahim Hasan Murad : I view stress as largely a mindset mentally resilient individuals can navigate challenges effectively. Success demands consistent effort, dedication, and hard work, and achieving work-life balance depends on one’s personal goals and level of ambition. By prioritizing responsibilities, staying focused, and maintaining discipline, it is possible to manage stress while pursuing excellence and meaningful achievements.