Islamabad (TDI): Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS) and the Inter-University Consortium for the Promotion of Social Sciences (IUCPSS) hosted a reception at the Islamabad Club to honour Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, and the newly appointed Vice Chancellors from across Pakistan.
In her opening remarks, Dr. Farhat Asif, President of IPDS, highlighted the event’s significance in fostering stronger linkages between academia, diplomacy, and international organizations. She emphasized the need for continued collaboration in science, education, and public diplomacy to address global challenges effectively. She also shed light on IPDS’s decade-long efforts in creating platforms for dialogue and partnerships.
In his remarks, Murtaza Noor, Director of IUCPSS, spoke on the pivotal role of universities in shaping future leadership and fostering innovation. He pledged IUCPSS’s support for initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of higher education and promoting inter-university collaborations both domestically and internationally.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, in his keynote address, lauded the contributions of Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhary in advancing Pakistan’s scientific and technological landscape through his leadership at COMSTECH. He underscored the importance of leveraging such platforms for boosting Pakistan’s global image and enhancing academic and research cooperation with other countries.
In his address, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhary expressed gratitude for the recognition of his efforts and emphasized the critical role of science and technology in shaping the future of nations. He highlighted COMSTECH’s initiatives to promote scientific cooperation among OIC member states and underscored the importance of academia in driving socio-economic development. He called for greater investments in research and innovation, urging educational leaders to champion interdisciplinary collaborations and global partnerships.
The newly appointed Vice Chancellors, Prof. Dr. Rauf-I-Azam, Vice Chancellor of Government College University Faisalabad, and Prof. Dr. Shazia Anjum, Vice Chancellor of Government Sadiq College Women University Bahawalpur, also spoke on the occasion and shared their visions for transforming their institutions into hubs of innovation, inclusivity, and global connectivity. They pledged to strengthen academic standards and engage in meaningful partnerships contributing to sustainable development.
Ambassadors, diplomats, Vice Chancellors, government officials, and representatives from international organizations, including heads of UN agencies, attended the event. The participants celebrated Prof. Dr. Iqbal Choudhary’s continued achievements and reaffirmed their dedication to building robust academic and diplomatic ties for a more interconnected and prosperous future.
