Islamabad, June 8, 2026 — Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui inaugurated the KPEC Expo in the capital, underlining Pakistan’s young population as a strategic asset that can meet global workforce needs through education and skills development. The minister stressed that partnerships such as the KPEC Expo will help Pakistani youth compete internationally and drive national economic growth.
Dr. Khalid highlighted the Republic of Korea’s rapid development as a model of innovation and self-reliance from which Pakistan can draw lessons. Strengthening collaboration with Korea through initiatives showcased at the KPEC Expo, he said, will open new pathways for higher education, technical training and workforce readiness for Pakistani students.
The Korea-Pakistan Education Corridor, launched by the Consortium of Asia-Pacific and Eurasian Studies (CAPES), seeks to deepen academic exchanges, promote student mobility and support skills development. The KPEC Expo presented a series of programs aimed at building institutional links, facilitating admissions and creating channels for technical and vocational cooperation.
Among speakers at the inaugural event were Ambassador Syed Moazzam H. Khan, Professor Dr. Choi Jong-in of Tongwon University, and Professor Dr. Anis Ahmad of Riphah International University. Ambassador Syed Moazzam highlighted embassy efforts in Seoul to establish a sustainable educational corridor, noting tangible steps such as four Korean language centres already operating in Lahore and plans to open similar centres in Islamabad to strengthen educational and professional engagement.
Professor Dr. Choi Jong-in reaffirmed Tongwon University’s commitment to academic cooperation and acknowledged growing Pakistani interest in Korean higher education. He also noted visa challenges faced by some admitted students and assured attendees of the university’s continued efforts to facilitate smoother academic mobility.
Professor Dr. Anis Ahmad reflected on the historical role of the East as a centre of knowledge and urged students to broaden their perspectives, align their education with global responsibilities and develop visions that contribute to society and humanity at large.
Dr. Khurram Iqbal, President of CAPES, welcomed participants and observed the twenty-first century shift of educational innovation toward Asia, with countries like the Republic of Korea emerging as leaders in technology and research — factors that make Korean institutions attractive for Pakistani students seeking quality education and international exposure.
The event, moderated by Dr. Umair Pervez Khan, General Secretary of CAPES, closed with a shared commitment to strengthen the KPEC Expo’s objectives through continued partnerships, academic exchanges and collaborative initiatives aimed at empowering future generations and expanding workforce mobility between Pakistan and Korea.
