ISLAMABAD
COMSTECH, the OIC Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation has decided to launch its Expert Service Program to foster technological collaboration among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as follow up of preliminary discussion with Secretary General OIC. It was decided during an important meeting of the Advisory Committee for the COMSTECH Expert Service Program held on Thursday.
The meeting was presided over by Coordinator General COMSTECH Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary while convener of the Committee Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmood Baig, former Chairman Pakistan Science Foundation and Head of Life Sciences Department, Health Services Academy, Prof. Dr. Moazur Rahman Director Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, and officials from COMSTECH attended the meeting.
Coordinator General COMSTECH remarked that recognizing the abundant yet underutilized technical expertise within OIC member states, this initiative aims to build a robust network of experts, engineers, technologists, and professionals to provide hands-on training and knowledge sharing. The program addresses critical developmental sectors, enabling recipient institutions, such as universities, research centers, industry, companies, and laboratories, to access specialized technical services and enhance their capacities.
The key objectives of this initiative would include facilitating the transfer of technical expertise and best practices, strengthen technical capabilities through training and capacity-building programs, establishing a collaborative network of experts and promoting solidarity, volunteering, and shared responsibility within the OIC community.
The program will support diverse fields, including biomedical engineering and health, renewable energy, information technology, manufacturing and engineering sciences, agriculture, urbanization, and smart cities, etc. The participants appreciated the initiative and assured their utmost cooperation in making it a successful, vibrant, and productive one.
This program is a strategic step toward enhancing technological self-reliance, fostering sustainable development, and mitigating brain drain in OIC member states. It also underscores the values of collaboration and mutual benefit, reinforcing the collective progress of the OIC community. Huawei Technologies Pakistan Pvt Ltd, a global leader in information and communications technology (ICT), and COMSATS University Islamabad have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration in the fields of technology.
The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at the office of Huawei Technologies in Islamabad said a news release. Federal Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and key representatives from both organizations attended the event.
This partnership is set to enhance technical vocational training and skill development to create employment opportunities for students and young technicians by equipping them with the latest ICT technologies. Under the MoU, Huawei will provide COMSATS University Islamabad with equipment and train their resources in delivering the technical training to the attendees of these courses.
Initially, this program will commence with the COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore campus. Subsequently, COMSATS University Islamabad will also help develop a similar facility in Karachi as well. This collaboration is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Dr. Tahir Naeem, Director (P, D &HRD) at COMSATS University Islamabad, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “This collaboration with Huawei represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide students with a comprehensive education in technology and innovation. We are excited to work together to develop programs that will enhance learning and research capabilities.”
Ahmed Bilal Masud, the Director Subsidiary Board at Huawei, emphasized the importance of such collaborations: “At Huawei, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive innovation. By working with COMSATS University Islamabad, we aim to nurture talent and inspire the next generation of technology leaders.”
The MoU will also pave the way for further collaboration between both organizations including knowledge exchange and fostering an environment of innovation that benefits both institutions and the wider community.
