Islamabad (TDI): The Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, has reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to strengthening academic ties with Germany, with a particular focus on leveraging Germany’s global leadership in engineering and technology to transform Pakistan’s industrial and educational sectors.
He made these remarks during a meeting with the German Ambassador to Pakistan, Ina Lepel, at the HEC Secretariat on Wednesday.
The meeting was attended by HEC Executive Director Dr. Zia Ul Haq and representatives from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Discussions centered on expanding strategic cooperation through structured academic exchange programs and enhanced technical collaboration.
Professor Akhtar emphasized that Germany’s excellence in technical education serves as a global benchmark. He noted that closer institutional linkages between universities in both countries would equip Pakistani students and researchers with the specialized skills required to drive economic growth and industrial modernization.
Strengthening such partnerships, he added, is vital for aligning Pakistan’s higher education system with international standards.
Ambassador Lepel reaffirmed Germany’s continued support for HEC’s vision, underscoring that educational collaboration remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations.
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She described the synergy between Pakistan and Germany as a vital link in promoting scientific advancement and fostering sustainable development through shared knowledge.
A key focus of the meeting was the development of more robust frameworks for university-to-university collaboration. Both sides agreed on the need to increase joint research initiatives, faculty exchange programs, and collaborative projects aimed at curriculum modernization and innovation.
Such initiatives are expected to enhance academic quality and create opportunities for cross-border knowledge transfer. To further strengthen academic mobility, the HEC Chairman proposed expanding the placement of Pakistani scholars in German universities.
He advocated for greater access to both short-term research fellowships and long-term degree programs, enabling Pakistani academics to benefit from Germany’s advanced teaching methodologies and world-class laboratory facilities.
The participants also discussed leveraging the German alumni network in Pakistan by establishing structured platforms for professional networking and expertise sharing.
Professor Akhtar praised DAAD for its consistent support through scholarships and academic facilitation, noting that the organization has played a pivotal role in exposing Pakistani talent to global standards of excellence.
