ISLAMABAD, MAY 25 /DNA/ – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, alongside 20 prestigious Pakistani universities, has concluded a series of Pakistan Higher Education Expos across major cities of Bangladesh under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor.
This was the second series of exhibitions organised by HEC in collaboration with the Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh. The first series held in late 2025 yielded remarkable outcomes, particularly the enrolment of a large number of Bangladeshi students in Pakistani universities.
The exhibitions were held in Dhaka, Barishal, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Chittagong, and Rangpur, where HEC and the participating Pakistani universities set up their stalls to interact with and guide the visiting students and general public on the opportunities offered under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. They highlighted the 500 fully-funded Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships available for Bangladeshi students. They also showcased the academic programmes and facilities offered in Pakistan, underlining the avenues of faculty collaborations and the prospects of joint research ventures.
The expo series marks a significant milestone in strengthening educational cooperation and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, as it drew thousands of students, parents, and academics towards the higher education opportunities in Pakistan.
In her remarks, Director General (Scholarships) HEC Ms. Aayesha Ikram reiterated HEC’s commitment to the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. She underscored that the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships initiative provides opportunities of quality education to Bangladeshi students. She also revealed that a huge potential of collaboration exists between Pakistani and Bangladeshi institutions including exchange programmes. She urged the Bangladeshi students to fully benefit from the wide range of academic opportunities available at Pakistani universities. She affirmed that the collaboration between Pakistan and Bangladesh will play a vital role in further strengthening the bilateral relations.
During orientation sessions held across the cities, Project Director Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Programme Mr. Jehanzeb Khan shed light on the scope of the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor. He highlighted that the showcasing represented the second phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships initiative, as 74 Bangladeshi students had already commenced their studies in various disciplines at Pakistani universities. He encouraged the visiting students to actively apply for scholarships across diverse academic disciplines.
High Commissioner of Pakistan to Bangladesh Mr. Imran Haider, Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Muhammad Wasif, and Counsellor (Political) Mr. Kamran Dhangal participated in various events during the expo series. They reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing bilateral educational relations, academic exchanges, research collaboration, and institutional partnerships.
Addressing participants at different sessions, the Pakistani diplomats highlighted Pakistan’s growing excellence in higher education and emerging fields including Artificial Intelligence, Data Sciences, Engineering, Aviation, Cyber Security, and Medical Sciences. They appreciated the strong interest shown by Bangladeshi students and academic institutions in expanding educational collaboration with Pakistan.
Vice Chancellors, Pro-Vice Chancellors, Registrars, faculty members, and senior officials from leading Bangladeshi universities also welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of sustained academic cooperation, faculty collaboration, and research partnerships in promoting mutual understanding and regional connectivity.
On successful completion of the exhibitions, the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka hosted the representatives of HEC and the participating universities. The interaction reviewed the outcomes of the exhibitions and discussed future avenues to strengthen academic partnerships and expand educational cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
High Commissioner of Pakistan to Dhaka Mr. Imran Haider appreciated the active participation of Pakistani universities and HEC Pakistan. He acknowledged the support of Bangladeshi universities and institutions in facilitating the events across the country.
It is pertinent to mention that under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, the Government of Pakistan – through HEC – is offering 500 fully funded Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Bangladeshi students to pursue higher education at leading Pakistani universities.
