By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan made a strong and impactful mark at the Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE) 2026 in Istanbul, Turkiye, with a high-level academic delegation and a dedicated Pakistan Pavilion, underscoring the country’s growing academic strength, global outlook, and commitment to international collaboration in higher education.
A 45-member delegation, led by Chaudhry Abdul Rehman under the platform of the Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan (APSUP), represented the country at one of the world’s leading academic forums.
The delegation comprised chairmen of boards of governors, presidents, vice chancellors, and senior academic leaders from 17 prominent universities and key organizations, reflecting a unified and strategic national presence on the global stage.
The participating institutions included Superior University, University of Lahore, University of Faisalabad, University of Sialkot, Lahore Leads University, Iqra University, Riphah International University, Preston University, City University, CECOS University, Institute of Business Management, and GIFT University. Key organizations such as OIC-COMSTECH, Sindh Higher Education Commission, Bahria University, and University of South Asia also played an active role in policy dialogue and international engagement. A major highlight of Pakistan’s participation was the Pakistan Pavilion, which emerged as the largest at the summit and attracted significant international attention. The pavilion showcased Pakistan’s higher education potential, research excellence, and innovation ecosystem, while serving as a vibrant platform for academic exchange and global collaboration.
The delegations and university leaders from across the world engaged in productive discussions, leading to the signing of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and making the pavilion a central hub of activity.
The summit, attended by participants from 61 countries and over 380 universities, provided Pakistan with a valuable platform to present its academic vision and future direction.
A key moment was the keynote address by Sumaira Rehman, Rector Superior University and Commission Member of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan. As the only female keynote speaker at the inauguration, she highlighted the importance of nurturing ethical and responsible leadership, introducing the concept of “Leading with Character” and advocating a values-driven education system.
Strengthening Pakistan–Turkiye ties, the delegation also met Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education Türkiye. Discussions focused on joint research initiatives, academic exchanges, and collaboration under Türkiye’s “500 Research Projects Initiative,” opening new avenues for Pakistani institutions.
The delegation further visited the Secretariat of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, where Secretary General Sohail Mahmood briefed participants on the organisation’s objectives, functions, and priority areas. Both sides emphasized the need to enhance academic collaboration and knowledge sharing among member states.
The visit also included engagements with leading Turkish universities and participation in high-level networking events hosted by APSUP and EURIE organizers, paving the way for long-term cooperation in education, research, and innovation.
Pakistan’s impactful participation at EURIE 2026 highlights its commitment to internationalisation and academic excellence, positioning the country as an emerging and collaborative force in the global higher education landscape.
