AIOU Hosts Conference on Iran-Pakistan Academic-Cultural Dialogue

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The opening session of the Second International Conference on “Iran-Pakistan Academic-Cultural Dialogue” took place yesterday. The conference is organized by Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. the Chairman HEC, Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, presided over the inaugural session. Vice Chancellors from 6 universities of the Islamic Republic of Iran and their delegations are participating, led by Vice Chancellor, University of Religions and Denominations, Prof Dr Seyyed Abolhasan Navvab. The conference aims to foster cultural and academic partnerships, enhance relations in education and research, promote the languages of both countries, educate the new generation about the importance of cultural and historical ties between the two neighboring countries, and encourage academic dialogue among scholars from both countries. The conference will span two days and include various sessions.

Chairman of HEC, Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmad expressed that Iran has been the guardian of knowledge, culture, and cultural heritage for centuries. He emphasized the need for Pakistan and Iran to learn from each other’s experiences as neighbouring countries. Dr Mukhtar highlighted the importance of Muslim countries setting aside their mutual differences and uniting to address common problems. He also stressed that Iran-Pakistan relations can be further strengthened through educational and cultural cooperation. Furthermore, Dr Mukhtar emphasized the use of education, science, and knowledge for the betterment of humanity instead of destruction. Lastly, he also offered prayers and condolences for the former president of Iran who recently passed away.

The head of the Iranian delegation, Prof Dr Seyyed Abolhasan Navvab, addressed the conference, expressing his pleasure in visiting Pakistan and Allama Iqbal Open University. He emphasized the shared values between Iran and Pakistan, highlighting the importance of cooperation in education, culture, knowledge, economy, and science. Prof Dr Navvab also mentioned the vast opportunities for collaboration between the two countries and expressed gratitude for the support from the Pakistani nation and government. He concluded by expressing his willingness to visit Pakistan frequently to further enhance the relationship, and thanked AIOU and HEC for organizing the conference.

Vice-Chancellor, AIOU, Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood, while delivering the welcome note, said that during a conference at Irani University this year, significant progress was made in fostering collaboration in various departments. As a result, the Iqbal Chair was established at the University of Religions and Denomination in Iran, the Urdu department was founded at the University of Qom, and a Persian language course was started at the Allama Iqbal Open University. Dr Nasir Mahmood emphasized the deep connections between Iran and Pakistan in terms of religion, civilization, and culture, and expressed AIOU’s commitment to strengthening these ties through education. Additionally, Vice Chancellors from 20 Pakistani universities also took part in the conference.