Islamabad: A 15-member delegation of academicians from Bangladesh visited the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat, engaging with Chairman HEC, Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, as part of an initiative to enhance bilateral cooperation in the higher education sector. According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the delegation was informed about HEC’s role, functions, and its transformation from the University Grants Commission in 2002 to improve access, quality, and relevance in Pakistan’s higher education.

Chairman Akhtar, alongside key HEC officials, discussed the human resource development initiatives, highlighting that HEC has awarded around 300,000 scholarships. He elaborated on the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Programme for Bangladeshi students, which offers 500 undergraduate scholarships under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. Currently, 74 Bangladeshi students are enrolled in top Pakistani universities, with plans to enroll 250 more in the next batch.

Dr. Akhtar emphasized the commitment to the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, describing Bangladesh as a brotherly nation with shared history and heritage. He assured full support to UGC Bangladesh and welcomed Bangladeshi students to Pakistani universities. The Bangladeshi delegates expressed gratitude for the initiative, affirming that cooperation in higher education will strengthen future relations between the nations, extending beyond education to geopolitical and geostrategic levels in South Asia.

During the visit, the delegation explored various universities in Sindh and Islamabad and interacted with several Pakistani officials, including Minister of State for Education Ms. Wajiha Qamar, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Additional Secretary Asia Pacific Syed Asad Ali Gillani. The visit aims to foster future collaborations in education and research, strengthening ties between the two countries.