WNAM REPORT: The OIC Ministerial standing committee on Science & Technology Cooperation (COMSTECH) and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in science, technology, and innovation.
The MoU aims to strengthen research, capacity building, and knowledge exchange among OIC member states, marking a significant step in advancing scientific excellence across the Islamic world.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, and Dr. Naseem Irfan, Rector PIEAS, in the presence of senior officials and representatives from both organisations. Under this partnership, both organisations will jointly develop and implement educational and scientific programs, organize international conferences, workshops, and training courses, and facilitate faculty and student exchanges. PIEAS will also become an Associate Member of the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence (CCoE) and register with the OIC Technology and Innovation Portal, further integrating its expertise within the broader scientific network of OIC nations.
A major highlight of MoU is the introduction of the Jabar Bin Hayan Scholarship Program, enabling students from OIC member states to pursue undergraduate, master’s, PhD, and post-doctoral studies at PIEAS. Eligible disciplines include computer science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, engineering, medical physics, nuclear medicine, and several other advanced fields. COMSTECH will serve as an outreach partner, guiding international students toward academic opportunities at PIEAS while the university retains full discretion over admissions and scholarship awards.
In addition to degree programs, the MoU facilitates the COMSTECH Distinguished Scholars Program, allowing PIEAS to host eminent scholars who will contribute to research and development through lectures, workshops, and training sessions. Furthermore, COMSTECH will support short-term fellowships, covering international academic exchanges and sabbatical visits while accommodation provided by PIEAS.
Under this partnership, both institutions will work on joint training programs, technology development initiatives, and collaborative research projects to support innovation and scientific progress.
This MoU marks a significant step toward fostering scientific excellence and innovation in the Islamic world, aligning with COMSTECH’s mission to advance science and technology cooperation among OIC nations.
