ISLAMABAD: Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins called on  Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad at HEC Secretariat here.

They discussed areas of potential collaboration between Pakistani and Australian higher education institutions. Adviser (Global Engagement) HEC Awais Ahmed and Director General (Human Resource Development) Aayesha Ikram were also present. Chairman shed light on HEC’s role in promotion of higher education and research in country.

He highlighted scope of collaboration between higher education institutions of Pakistan and Australia. He said that academic leaders of two countries need to work together on joint programmes and find solutions to future challenges. Two sides discussed need for research collaboration in global challenges of climate change and food security.

High Commissioner revealed that they are keen on increasing number of Pakistani students and scholars in Australia.

He revealed that around 100,000 Pakistanis are currently residing in Australia, making it an ideal situation for Pakistani students to pursue their higher education in Australia as they will have necessary support there. He appreciated progress Pakistan has made in agricultural research.

He appreciated role of Pakistan’s higher education sector in providing educational opportunities to Afghan youth and making efforts to establish peace in region. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed mentioned plan of establishing Sports University in Pakistan. High Commissioner expressed his full support for University. He also desired that efforts must be made for revival of hockey in Pakistan. 

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 28 2022

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