Pakistan has taken a major step toward expanding educational, scientific and technological cooperation with the Arab world as the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT), the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO) and the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) signed a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad.
The agreement, signed at the COMSTECH Secretariat on October 15, aims to strengthen institutional links between Pakistani and Arab universities, research centres and scientific organisations while creating new opportunities for students, academics and researchers.
The memorandum was signed by Higher Education Commission Executive Director Prof Dr Zia Ul Haq on behalf of the federal education ministry, COMSTECH Coordinator General Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary and ALECSO Director General Prof Dr Mohamed Ould Amar. Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training Wajiha Qamar attended the ceremony along with senior officials from the three organisations.
Under the agreement, the parties will develop joint educational and scientific programmes in science, technology and innovation and cooperate in conferences, seminars, workshops, exhibitions and professional training programmes at national and international levels.
A key component of the agreement is the establishment of ALECSO Chairs at selected Pakistani universities. The initiative is also expected to strengthen connections between Arab research centres and Pakistani universities, scientific institutions and research organisations.
The partnership will explore scholarship and training opportunities for Pakistani students in Arab countries as well as for students from Arab countries in Pakistan. It will also promote exchanges of experts, academics and researchers and facilitate the sharing of research methodologies, experience and best practices.
Wajiha Qamar described the agreement as the beginning of a new phase in educational and scientific relations between Pakistan and the Arab world. She said the partnership should translate into practical opportunities for students, teachers and researchers through scholarships, academic exchanges, professional training and collaborative research.
Qamar stressed the importance of international academic partnerships in equipping young people with modern skills and connecting Pakistani universities with wider global research and knowledge networks.
Prof Dr Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary said COMSTECH would facilitate connections between Pakistani universities and research centres and their counterparts in Arab countries. He said the organisation would also coordinate follow-up on initiatives agreed under the memorandum.
He emphasised that the agreement should move beyond a formal document and produce measurable programmes that directly benefit students, researchers and academic institutions.
Prof Dr Mohamed Ould Amar said the memorandum provided a practical framework for bringing educational and scientific institutions in Pakistan and the Arab world closer together. He expressed hope that the partnership would lead to sustained cooperation in education, culture, science and technology.
Prof Dr Zia Ul Haq also welcomed the initiative, saying stronger institutional links could create new opportunities for Pakistani universities, scientists and young researchers.
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The three parties agreed to identify priority projects and establish coordination mechanisms to implement and review activities under the agreement, setting the stage for expanded academic and scientific collaboration between Pakistan and Arab countries.
