Chicago: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal visited the University of Illinois Chicago to explore avenues for academic, research, and healthcare collaboration between Pakistan and the United States. During his visit, Iqbal engaged in detailed discussions with university officials, focusing on potential cooperation in healthcare and medical research.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister met with the University’s Provost, Vice Provost, and Dean of the medical faculty to identify collaborative opportunities between the University of Illinois Chicago, the proposed Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre (JMCRC), and the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center (PKLI). These discussions aim to foster international academic and clinical linkages, aligning with Pakistan’s commitment to developing advanced healthcare infrastructure.

The dialogue also covered the expansion of the US-Pak Knowledge Corridor to include medical sciences. Potential areas of collaboration include faculty and student exchanges, scholarships, joint research initiatives, advanced surgical training, and institutional partnerships. The visit underscored Pakistan’s commitment to positioning the JMCRC as a leading medical center in the region.