H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, together with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Rector of the University of Lahore, inaugurated the OIC-COMSTECH–University of Lahore Collaboration Secretariat at the University of Lahore campus. The new secretariat formalises the partnership between COMSTECH and the University of Lahore and creates a permanent base for joint science and technology initiatives under the COMSTECH UoL framework.
The secretariat will act as a dedicated platform to coordinate and implement scholarships, fellowships, collaborative research projects, workshops and conferences designed to strengthen science and technology cooperation between the two institutions. As a recognised member of the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence, the University of Lahore will lead administrative and academic efforts alongside COMSTECH to deliver these programs for citizens of OIC member states.
COMSTECH and the University of Lahore are already running several joint initiatives, including the COMSTECH–UoL Bangladesh Scholarships and the COMSTECH–UoL Program for Africa, as well as a range of fellowships and short training courses. The new secretariat is expected to streamline these efforts and expand opportunities for students and researchers from across the OIC region.
Speaking at the inauguration, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary expressed gratitude to the University of Lahore leadership for their sustained cooperation and said that strengthened partnerships like this are essential to boost innovation, research capacity and human resource development across the Muslim world. He emphasised that the COMSTECH UoL collaboration will be instrumental in nurturing scientific talent and facilitating cross-border academic exchange.
In response, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf reaffirmed the University of Lahore’s commitment to supporting COMSTECH’s programs and pledged to broaden joint activities to advance science and technology across OIC countries. The establishment of the secretariat underscores Pakistan’s role in regional capacity building and offers a practical pathway for researchers and students in OIC member states to access enhanced training and scholarly resources.
