Islamabad: A high-level meeting on the “Framework for Processing Concept Proposals for New Projects under the Pakistan-UK Education Gateway Phase 2” was conducted today with Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal presiding.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the meeting highlighted that the British Council successfully facilitated 21 Research Travel Grants and eight large-scale Research Partnership Grant projects. Additionally, more than 1,000 researchers and reviewers across Pakistan received research capacity-building training, and 51 universities were certified for their Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization.

The discussion further emphasized that Phase 2 of the Pakistan-UK Education Gateway aims to expand on the partnerships and achievements realized in Phase 1.

During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal stressed the necessity of a targeted strategy to engage high-caliber researchers capable of significantly impacting various sectors in Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of forming partnerships with prestigious universities to enhance research standards.

The Minister also highlighted that visits by Pakistani researchers to the United Kingdom should have a clear purpose, aiding in institutional capacity-building and providing concrete benefits upon their return.

The Pakistan-UK Education Gateway Phase 2 signifies a commitment to nurturing an internationally competitive higher education landscape that is in harmony with Pakistan’s socio-economic objectives.