Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar Calls for Strengthening Education, Scientific Research and Innovation Across the Muslim World at COMSTECH Forum

WNAM REPORT: The Inter-Islamic Forum for the Advancement of Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation was held at the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat, Islamabad, bringing together distinguished policymakers, parliamentarians, diplomats, university leaders, scientists, and scholars from Pakistan and across the Muslim world to explore avenues for enhancing collaboration in higher education, scientific research, and innovation.
The forum was organized by OIC-COMSTECH ul and was attended by Senator H.E. Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for Human Rights, Government of Pakistan, as the Chief Guest.
Among the distinguished participants were H.E. Mohamed Adan Khalif, Governor of Mandera County, Kenya; H.E. Tuan Jaziri Alkaf, Senator of Malaysia and Chairman of MyProdigy Foundation Malaysia; Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmud, Honorary Advisor, OIC-COMSTECH; Dr. Salma Noor, Founder and Patron, Dream Team CBO; Vice Admiral (R) Abid Hameed HI(M), Rector, Bahria University, besides ambassadors, vice chancellors, eminent scientists, scholars, and delegates from Kenya, Malaysia and other OIC member states.
In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, warmly welcomed the distinguished guests and participants, emphasizing that education, science, technology, and innovation remain the most effective instruments for achieving sustainable development and socio-economic progress in the Muslim world. He highlighted COMSTECH’s expanding portfolio of initiatives, including scholarships, fellowships, research collaboration, capacity-building programmes, and the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence, which connects leading universities across OIC member states to promote academic mobility, joint research, and scientific cooperation. He reaffirmed COMSTECH’s commitment to strengthening partnerships among universities, governments, research institutions, and international organizations to build a vibrant knowledge economy across the Islamic world.
Addressing the forum, Senator H.E. Azam Nazeer Tarar said that nations investing in knowledge and human capital are the ones that shape the future. He commended OIC-COMSTECH for its remarkable achievements under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary in creating educational and research opportunities for thousands of students, researchers, scientists, and universities across the Islamic world.
The Minister appreciated COMSTECH’s scholarship and fellowship programmes, faculty and student exchange initiatives, research collaborations, and capacity-building programmes in emerging scientific fields. He particularly praised the organization’s support for scholars and students from Palestine, Yemen, Bangladesh, Africa, and other OIC member states, describing these efforts as a true manifestation of Islamic solidarity and Pakistan’s commitment to serving the Ummah through education and knowledge.
Senator Tarar also acknowledged COMSTECH’s efforts in expanding the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence, noting that it has become an important platform for collaborative research, innovation, academic mobility, and the sharing of scientific expertise among leading universities of the Muslim world.
Highlighting the significance of education as a fundamental human right, the Minister said access to quality education and scientific knowledge empowers individuals, reduces inequality, promotes tolerance, strengthens democratic values, and contributes to peace, justice, and sustainable development. He reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s unwavering support for initiatives that promote higher education, scientific research, technological advancement, innovation, and human resource development.
Earlier, H.E. Mohamed Adan Khalif, Governor of Mandera County, Kenya, and H.E. Tuan Jaziri Alkaf, Senator of Malaysia and Chairman of MyProdigy Foundation Malaysia, shared their perspectives on strengthening academic partnerships, innovation ecosystems, and scientific collaboration among OIC member states.
Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmud, Honorary Advisor OIC-COMSTECH, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the strategic importance of knowledge-based economies, research excellence, and stronger institutional linkages in addressing the challenges facing the Muslim world.
Dr. Salma Noor, Founder and Patron of Dream Team CBO, also addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of empowering youth, women, and communities through education, innovation, and collaborative development initiatives.
In his closing remarks, Vice Admiral (R) Abid Hameed HI(M), Rector, Bahria University, appreciated OIC-COMSTECH for successfully organizing the forum and emphasized that stronger collaboration among universities, research institutions, governments, and industry would pave the way for sustainable development and technological advancement across the Islamic world. He reaffirmed Bahria University’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote academic excellence, innovation, and international cooperation.
The forum concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Murtaza Noor, Focal Person, Outreach, CCoE & Media, OIC-COMSTECH, followed by the presentation of a commemorative shield to the Chief Guest, Senator H.E. Azam Nazeer Tarar, and a group photograph of the distinguished participants.
The participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in education, scientific research, innovation, and technology, and expressed confidence that the recommendations of the forum would translate into meaningful partnerships and impactful initiatives for the sustainable development of the Muslim world.