Islamabad
Pakistan has made a strong and impactful mark at the Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE) 2026, held at Istanbul, Türkiye, through a high-level academic delegation and the establishment of a dedicated Pakistan Pavilion.
The country’s vibrant participation highlighted its growing academic strength, global outlook, and firm commitment to international collaboration in higher education.
A 45-member Pakistani delegation, led by Chaudhry Abdul Rehman under the platform of the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan, represented the country at one of the world’s leading academic forums.
The delegation included Chairmen Boards of Governors, Presidents, Vice Chancellors, and senior academic leaders from 17 leading universities and key organizations, reflecting a unified and strategic national presence on the global stage.
Participating institutions included Superior University, University of Lahore, University of Faisalabad, University of Sialkot, Lahore Leads University, Iqra University, Riphah International University, Preston University, City University, CECOS University, Institute of Business Management, and GIFT University.
Key organizations such as OIC-COMSTECH, Sindh Higher Education Commission, Bahria University, and University of South Asia also played an active role in policy dialogue and international engagement.
A major highlight of Pakistan’s presence was the Pakistan Pavilion, which emerged as the largest pavilion at the summit and attracted significant international attention.
The pavilion effectively showcased Pakistan’s higher education potential, research excellence, and innovation ecosystem, while serving as a dynamic platform for academic exchange and global collaboration.
Delegations and university leaders from across the world engaged in productive discussions, resulting in several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and making the pavilion a central hub of activity.
The summit, attended by participants from 61 countries and over 380 universities, provided Pakistan with a valuable platform to present its academic vision and future direction.
A key moment was the keynote address by Sumaira Rehman, Rector of Superior University and Commission Member of the Higher Education Commission Pakistan.
As the sole female keynote speaker at the inauguration, she emphasized the need to develop ethical, responsible leaders and introduced the concept of “Leading with Character,” advocating a values-driven education system.
Strengthening Pakistan–Türkiye ties, the delegation also met with Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education Turkey. Discussions focused on joint research, academic exchanges, and collaboration in Türkiye’s “500 Research Projects Initiative,” opening new opportunities for Pakistani institutions.
The delegation further visited the Secretariat of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, where they held a productive meeting with Secretary General Sohail Mahmood.
He briefed the delegation on the organisation’s background, objectives, functions, and priority areas, while discussions emphasized enhancing academic collaboration and knowledge sharing among member states.
The visit also included engagements with leading Turkish universities and participation in high-level networking events hosted by APSUP and EURIE organizers, paving the way for long-term cooperation in education, research, and innovation.
Pakistan’s impactful participation at EURIE 2026 underscores its commitment to internationalization and academic excellence, positioning the country as an emerging and collaborative force in the global higher education landscape.
