University chancellors, vice-chancellors, scholars and academic leaders from 34 countries gathered in Karachi for the first International Summit of University Chancellors (ISUC 2026), a landmark two-day event aimed at strengthening international cooperation in higher education, research and innovation.
Organized by Al-Ghazali University (AGU) in partnership with the League of Islamic Universities, the summit was held on October 11 and 12 and brought together senior academic leadership from across the Muslim world and beyond. The participating countries included Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Türkiye, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Morocco, Tunisia and several others.
The summit provided a platform for university leaders to discuss emerging challenges facing higher education and explore new opportunities for academic partnerships, joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and cooperation in technology and innovation.
One of the key milestones was the signing of an agreement between Al-Ghazali University and the League of Islamic Universities, strengthening institutional links and creating a framework for greater academic and research collaboration.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal was among the prominent national figures associated with the summit. His participation came amid growing emphasis on research, artificial intelligence, technological advancement and education as drivers of Pakistan’s future development. The Planning Ministry has separately stressed the need for universities to play a stronger role in research, innovation and solving national challenges.
Governor Sindh Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi attended the closing ceremony as chief guest and called for stronger cooperation among universities across the Muslim world. He emphasized knowledge, research, artificial intelligence, digital technology and advanced research as key areas for collaboration, while also highlighting the potential of faculty and student exchanges and joint research projects.
Hashmi said the gathering could open new avenues for academic, educational and trade delegations between universities in Muslim countries and urged that the summit should translate into lasting partnerships rather than remain a ceremonial event.
The summit also highlighted the need for universities to prepare students not only for employment but for leadership, innovation and responsible participation in society. Speakers stressed that stronger academic networks and research cooperation could help institutions respond to rapid changes in science, technology and the global knowledge economy.
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With representatives from 34 countries meeting in Karachi, ISUC 2026 marked an important effort to connect universities across borders and build a stronger platform for international academic collaboration, research and knowledge exchange.
