HEC and British Council Launch Phase-II of Pak-UK Education Gateway to Strengthen Academic Collaboration
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and the British Council have formally launched Phase-II of the Pak-UK Education Gateway, marking a new chapter in bilateral academic cooperation. The launch ceremony, held at the HEC Secretariat, was attended by prominent dignitaries and stakeholders from both nations.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event also saw the presence of Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training, Farah Naz Akbar; HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed; Chief Executive of the British Council Scott McDonald; UK’s Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Dalgleish; Punjab’s Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat; and Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training Mohyuddin Wani, among others.
Building on the successes of Phase-I, initiated in 2018, the second phase is set to begin in June 2025. It aims to further enhance academic partnerships and research initiatives, promoting student and faculty mobility between the two nations.
Phase-II introduces six key components:
- Research for Impact
- Transnational Education and Mutual Recognition of Qualifications
- Leadership and Governance
- Scholarships
- Women in Higher Education
- Faculty Development
The program is expected to foster innovative research, strengthen academic leadership, and contribute to inclusivity and sustainable growth in higher education.
In his address, Minister Ahsan Iqbal lauded the British Council’s ongoing support and emphasized the need for further collaboration to raise Pakistan’s tertiary education enrollment rate above 13%, aiming to match regional standards. He called for initiatives such as specialized training programs for faculty, increasing UK-qualified PhDs in Pakistan, and exploring postdoctoral opportunities in the UK.
The Minister urged Vice-Chancellors to align research with national economic and industrial needs, promote innovative solutions, and invest in quality education while addressing the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age.
HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted the achievements of Phase-I, which included funding for eight collaborative research grants, training programs for PhD supervisors, and the development of a revised HEC Quality Assurance Framework in 2023. He expressed optimism for Phase-II, anticipating significant advancements in higher education and research.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Pakistan, announcing £5 million to support the program. He described the Gateway as an investment in addressing critical challenges like climate change and Pakistan’s educational needs.
UK’s Deputy High Commissioner Andrew Dalgleish also expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the UK’s dedication to fostering educational collaboration and strengthening ties with Pakistan.
The launch of Phase-II of the Pak-UK Education Gateway signals a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral relations in the education sector, promising transformative impacts for both nations.
