KARACHI/ISLAMABAD, JUN 16 /DNA/ – A delegation of distinguished academicians from Bangladesh has commenced its visit to Pakistan under an initiative aimed at strengthening academic cooperation and fostering institutional linkages between the higher education sectors of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
During the first two days of their visit, the delegates travelled to Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro; Iqra University, Karachi; NED University of Engineering & Technology; the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi; and the HEJ International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Karachi.
On its arrival at LUMHS, the Vice Chancellor, Deans, and senior faculty members warmly received the delegation. During a meeting, the participants exchanged views on contemporary developments in higher education, medical education, research, and opportunities for future collaboration between universities of the two countries. Following the formal interaction, the delegation was given a comprehensive tour of the LUMHS campus. The delegates visited various academic departments, laboratories, and teaching facilities to gain insight into the university’s academic and research environment. They also toured the university hospital and were briefed on the healthcare services, clinical training facilities, and medical research initiatives undertaken by the institution. A notable feature of the visit was the interaction with international students currently pursuing their medical studies at LUMHS. The delegates engaged with the students and learned about their academic experiences, campus life, and the support services provided by the university to international scholars.
The delegation’s visit to Iqra University, Karachi, was marked by a series of productive discussions with the university leadership and faculty members. The meetings focused on identifying avenues for bilateral cooperation in higher education and exploring opportunities for academic partnerships between Pakistani and Bangladeshi institutions. The discussions particularly emphasised joint research initiatives, faculty collaboration, academic exchanges, and knowledge-sharing activities. Both sides expressed keen interest in developing long-term partnerships that would contribute to strengthening academic ties and promoting collaborative research addressing regional and global challenges. The visit to the university concluded with a cultural event, providing an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange, interaction among the participants, and reflection of the shared heritage and people-to-people connections.
At NED University, IBA, and HEJ ICCBS Karachi, the delegation received a warm welcome from the respective university leadership. The delegates held meaningful discussions on bilateral academic cooperation, research collaboration, and institutional partnerships. During their visit to NED University of Engineering & Technology, the delegates were briefed on the university’s academic programmes, research initiatives, and technological advancements. They were also given a tour of key facilities and state of the art laboratories, where they interacted with faculty members and students. Discussions focused on potential collaborations in engineering, emerging technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, and innovation-driven research.
IBA Karachi organised extensive discussions on strengthening academic linkages and promoting cooperation in higher education. Faculty exchange programmes, student mobility initiatives, scholarship opportunities, and joint research projects were among the key areas discussed. The delegates also toured the campus and interacted with students and faculty members to gain insight into the institution’s academic environment and research culture.
During their visit to HEJ ICCBS, they were briefed on the centre’s internationally recognised contributions to scientific research, innovation, and capacity building. Discussions were held, focusing on opportunities for collaborative research in the fields of medicine, biological sciences, chemistry, and related disciplines, as well as prospects for academic exchange and joint scientific initiatives.
On this occasion, University of Rajshahi and HEJ ICCBS Karachi signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to facilitate collaborative research, faculty and student exchanges, academic cooperation, and institutional partnerships in the years ahead. The signing of these MoUs reflects the strong commitment of both sides to work closely together in advancing cooperation across a broad spectrum of disciplines. These agreements mark an important step towards strengthening academic ties and fostering long-term collaboration between the higher education institutions of Pakistan and Bangladesh.
The visits to these universities have set a foundation for the delegation’s forthcoming academic engagements in Pakistan that will reinforce the shared commitment of the two countries to promoting academic excellence, research collaboration, and people-to-people connectivity through higher education partnerships.
