The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, COMSTECH and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan have agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of science, technology and higher education through a range of joint initiatives.
Islamabad, March 12, 2026 AD The Organization of Islamic Cooperation, COMSTECH and the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan have agreed to enhance cooperation in the fields of science, technology and higher education through a set of joint initiatives.
The understanding was reached during an important meeting between Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chowdhury, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, OIC, and Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, Chairman of the HEC.
During the meeting held here, the two sides agreed to launch several cooperative programs aimed at enhancing research cooperation and academic capabilities among OIC member states.
Under the proposed initiatives, 200 scholarships will be provided annually to scholars from Muslim minority communities and conflict-affected areas to obtain positions in leading universities in Pakistan.
It was also agreed to support 200 annual visits by senior Pakistani academics and experts to institutions in OIC member states under the COMSTECH Program for Distinguished Scholars in the Fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
The two organizations also agreed to start a capacity-building program to improve the global rankings of universities from OIC member states. In addition, a special program will be offered to accreditation councils to align these organizations with international standards and best practices.
The two sides also discussed joint work to enhance the international visibility of Pakistani higher education institutions through further internationalization. In this regard, a dedicated capacity building program will be launched to strengthen international offices in Pakistani universities.
An official memorandum of understanding will be signed between COMSTECH and the Supreme Elections Commission to implement these initiatives.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Mohamed Murtada Nour, COMSTECH Communications Officer and CCOE Coordinator.