ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has facilitated the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Maldives National University and five Pakistani universities, aiming to enhance academic and research cooperation. The agreements were signed during a ceremony at the HEC Secretariat in Islamabad, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral academic relations.
According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the MoUs were signed by Vice Chancellor of Maldives National University Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam and representatives from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS AAUR), University of Wah, Government College University (GCU) Lahore, and Foundation University Islamabad. This development coincides with the state visit of the President of Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, to Pakistan.
Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, alongside Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the Maldives Faisal Rasool Lodhi and other university leaders, attended the ceremony. Dr. Akhtar emphasized the potential for enhanced academic engagement between the two nations, highlighting opportunities in joint research, faculty exchange, and academic programs. He noted the progress of Pakistani universities in international rankings and reiterated HEC’s commitment to fostering academic cooperation with the Maldives.
Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, Vice Chancellor of Maldives National University, praised the initiative, noting that existing collaborations have already benefited both nations in fields such as medical education, agriculture, and law. She identified further opportunities in tourism, marine sciences, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the importance of mutually beneficial partnerships.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Advisor Global Engagement HEC Dr. Muhammad Ali Nasir, who underscored the importance of academic partnerships in fostering long-term cooperation between Pakistan and the Maldives. The event highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to translate these institutional agreements into concrete academic initiatives.