Ambassador Aftab Ahmad Khokher, Assistant Secretary-General for Science and Technology, led the Organization of Islamic Cooperation delegation at the fourth meeting of the Vaccine Manufacturers Group, held in Islamabad on February 9-10, 2026 and hosted by the COMSTECH Committee.
The session saw broad participation from major companies and institutions from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Iran, alongside international organisations such as the World Health Organization. Delegates discussed strengthening local production capabilities and aligning technical standards to support joint projects across member states, placing particular emphasis on measures to advance health sovereignty.
In his opening remarks Mr Khokher emphasised the need to continue striving to achieve health sovereignty and to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers by expanding vaccine manufacturing within member countries. He reviewed plans to develop the group’s work and to coordinate technical standards that will underpin collaborative programmes and shared initiatives.
Hosting the meeting highlighted Pakistan’s role in regional scientific cooperation and underscored the potential benefits of coordinated action on vaccine manufacturing for supply security and public health resilience. Delegates explored ways to translate the group’s plans into practical joint projects that strengthen capacity across the OIC membership.
