The UK has announced an additional £300,000 grant to strengthen transnational education partnerships between British and Pakistani institutions, with plans to significantly expand collaboration across the two countries.
British Minister of State Stephen Doughty made the announcement during his first visit to Pakistan, saying the UK wants to see as many as 100 British universities working with educational institutions across Pakistan.
Speaking to The News, Doughty said existing partnerships, including collaborations involving Cardiff Metropolitan University and Pakistani institutions, demonstrated the potential for much broader cooperation. He said the new funding would support transnational education initiatives and create greater opportunities for students, researchers and institutions in both countries.
“We want to see up to 100 UK universities working with institutions across Pakistan, equipping young people with skills and opportunities for the future,” Doughty said.
He said stronger educational links would benefit both countries by expanding access to international learning, research collaboration and skills development. According to the minister, exposure to different education systems and cultures can provide students with broader academic and professional opportunities.
Doughty also highlighted the potential for UK-Pakistan research partnerships to address major global challenges, including artificial intelligence, climate change, the energy transition, healthcare and pharmaceuticals.
The minister said the UK was proud of its education system and recognised the strong interest in British education among Pakistani students. He described education as an important area for deepening the longstanding people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the UK.
During his visit, Doughty also discussed Afghanistan, particularly the restrictions on education for women and girls. He said the UK remained deeply concerned about the denial of basic education to Afghan women and girls and urged the Taliban authorities to reopen educational opportunities.
He also expressed concern over recent terrorist attacks affecting Pakistan and said Afghanistan needed to become peaceful, stable and secure. Doughty said the UK would continue working through international organisations, NGOs and development programmes to support the Afghan people.
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He said denying education to half of Afghanistan’s population would not only deprive women and girls of opportunities but also undermine the country’s future development.
