ALMATY (special crosspondent) – As part of her official visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, held a high-level meeting with Professor Zhanseit Tuimebayev, Chairman of the Management Board and Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, to advance bilateral cooperation in higher education and scientific innovation. The discussions focused on creating a robust framework to align institutional efforts between the two nations, similar to efforts seen in other strategic sectors like the Emergency Response Committee‘s work on national preparedness.

Establishment of the Kazakhstan–Pakistan Research Centre

During the session, the two sides reached a formal agreement to establish the Kazakhstan–Pakistan Research Centre at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University under a new Memorandum of Cooperation. This centre is designed to serve as a pivotal platform for strengthening ties between universities in both countries, specifically by fostering collaborative research, facilitating academic exchanges, and driving joint scientific initiatives. Minister Wajiha Qamar praised the global academic reputation of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, noting that such partnerships remain essential as Pakistan continues to prioritize human capital development, much like the recent reforms outlined in Pakistan’s new tax operating model.

Advancing Technological and Academic Ties

Minister Qamar emphasized the rapid advancements Pakistani institutions are making in fields such as artificial intelligence, information technology, and digital innovation. She highlighted these sectors as primary areas for future collaboration, suggesting that the research centre will act as a bridge for knowledge transfer. Furthermore, she extended an official invitation to the faculty and leadership of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University to visit Pakistan to explore deeper integration with local universities, aiming to enhance student mobility and faculty exchange programs.

Future Roadmap for Implementation

Professor Zhanseit Tuimebayev welcomed the initiative, acknowledging the university’s increasing engagement with Pakistani academic bodies. He noted that the new facility would solidify long-term scientific cooperation. Both parties concluded the meeting by agreeing to draft a comprehensive, phased roadmap for the centre’s implementation. This development signals a broader commitment from both governments to enhance bilateral relations through academic excellence, mirroring the strategic focus seen in other government initiatives, such as the Punjab Government’s recent enforcement of environmental and transport policies.