UK-Pakistan Educational Delegation Explores Collaborative Partnerships

A delegation of leading UK universities, education champions, and experts, led by the UK Government’s International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, has commenced a five-day visit to Pakistan. The purpose of this significant visit is to enhance educational ties between the two nations and explore opportunities for long-term collaborative partnerships in higher education.

The visit, co-organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan, the British High Commission, British Council in Pakistan, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and the Department for Education (DfE), includes senior representatives from the UK Government, British Council, and 16 leaders of UK higher education providers and sector organizations. They aim to strengthen existing relationships and establish new connections with their Pakistani counterparts.

The delegation's visit aligns with the objectives of the Pakistan UK Education Gateway initiative launched in 2018. The inaugural conference, held at the HEC Secretariat, was attended by key figures such as Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, UK International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith, and British High Commissioner Jane Marriot.

During the conference, the Transnational Education Policy (TNE) was launched, emphasizing the importance of collaborations in bridging the gap between the two countries. Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui highlighted the role of such partnerships in fostering bilateral relations and improving the higher education sector in Pakistan.

Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed emphasized the transformation of Pakistan's higher education landscape and the strategic priority of internationalization. He expressed confidence that the visit would open up opportunities for sustainable cooperation and knowledge exchange.

The UK Government’s International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, citing Pakistan's growing higher education sector and the potential for impactful partnerships. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott echoed the commitment to strengthening educational ties between the UK and Pakistan.

The visit concluded with a panel discussion on Advancing Sustainable Collaboration, involving academicians from both countries. The event aimed to facilitate partnerships at various levels, including faculty-to-faculty and institution-to-institution, to benefit learners and promote mutual growth.