Islamabad: An 18-member delegation of Turkish higher education leaders, led by Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education (CoHE), Türkiye, has wrapped up a significant visit to Pakistan aimed at enhancing academic, research, and institutional cooperation between the two countries. The tour focused on establishing a collaborative roadmap for educational partnerships and scientific innovation.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the visit began with an opening session at the HEC Secretariat in Islamabad, where the delegation engaged in discussions with senior HEC management and Vice Chancellors from leading universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Chairman HEC Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar emphasized the potential for collaboration between the higher education sectors of both nations, focusing on expanding research partnerships and increasing student and faculty mobility.

Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s hospitality and highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to supporting joint research endeavors and academic mobility. He affirmed CoHE’s readiness to facilitate sustainable partnerships between the two countries’ higher education sectors.

The delegation’s visit included strategic discussions on establishing joint ventures in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Biotechnology. University leaders from both nations participated in these discussions, followed by one-on-one meetings to negotiate direct partnerships. The delegation toured Air University and the National Aerospace Science & Technology Park to observe research and technological advancements.

On subsequent days, the delegation visited Bahria University and the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), where they explored facilities and discussed internationalisation initiatives. The tour included visits to NUST’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and technology parks.

The visit concluded with a reception at the HEC Secretariat, providing an opportunity for Turkish leaders to share their insights on Pakistan’s higher education landscape. A farewell dinner at the Turkish Embassy celebrated the growing bond and technological collaboration between Türkiye and Pakistan.