A delegation of vice chancellors and faculty from Palestinian universities visited Quaid i Azam University in Islamabad under the auspices of OIC COMSTECH to discuss academic cooperation and research partnerships. The Palestinian delegation met senior university officials and received a detailed briefing on campus research, international collaborations and global rankings.
Professor Dr Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali, Chairperson of the Department of Microbiology and Director ORIC, presented a comprehensive overview of Quaid i Azam University’s research activities, institutional strengths and ongoing international projects. The briefing highlighted opportunities for joint research in IT, medicine, biological sciences, social sciences and natural sciences.
Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar (Sitara e Imtiaz), Vice Chancellor of Quaid i Azam University, assured the Palestinian delegation of full institutional support for students and academics. He confirmed that a number of Palestinian students are already enrolled at the university and pledged to expand scholarship opportunities so Palestinian students can complete their studies without interruption.
The vice chancellor emphasised a commitment to collaborative research and education initiatives and named Director ORIC Professor Dr Muhammad Ishtiaq Ali as the focal person to coordinate joint programmes with Palestinian universities. The delegation and host university officials discussed concrete steps to develop joint projects and facilitate faculty and student exchanges.
Scholars from Gaza who took part in the visit included Professor Ayman M.F. Sob from Al Quds University, Professor Saleem A.I. Sabah from the University of Palestine, Professor Ibrahim A.M. Abu Rahmah from Gaza University, Professor Deirous Mustafa from the Islamic University of Gaza, Professor Nouha A.M. Najeem from the University of Gaza, and Dr Mounia K.I. Aljawad from Isra University.
Quaid i Azam University’s delegation included the Dean of Natural Sciences Professor Dr Tasawwur Hayat, Dean of Biological Sciences Professor Dr Irfan Zia, senior faculty members, COMSTECH focal person and coordinator Murtaza Noor, and media coordinator Shabbir Hussain. Participants on both sides expressed hope that the collaboration would strengthen academic and research ties between Pakistan and Palestine.
