ISLAMABAD: Marking a major leap in educational diplomacy, Pakistan and Maldives have sealed a comprehensive academic alliance, with five top Pakistani universities joining hands with the Maldives National University (MNU).
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan facilitated the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between MNU and National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, University of Wah, Government College University Lahore, and Foundation University Islamabad.
The high-profile MoU ceremony was held at the HEC Secretariat, coinciding with the historic three-day state visit of Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to Pakistan. MNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam personally signed the agreements alongside representatives of the Pakistani institutions.
The pacts aim to promote academic collaboration, joint and dual degree programmes, collaborative research, faculty and student exchanges, and knowledge sharing.
HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar highlighted the strategic potential of stronger Pakistan-Maldives academic partnerships, encouraging joint research, conferences and seminars to deepen institutional linkages.
Dr. Adam appreciated HEC’s initiative and identified key sectors for collaboration, including postgraduate research, agriculture, food sciences, tourism and hospitality, marine sciences, environmental sustainability and climate change — areas critical to both nations.
Adviser Global Engagement HEC Dr. Muhammad Ali Nasir emphasised sustainable international partnerships, noting the agreements mark a significant step toward expanding educational opportunities and fostering lasting people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the Maldives.
