Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening educational and scientific cooperation with Uzbekistan and other Central Asian states during the International Education Forum 2026 in Tashkent. Wajiha Qamar addressed the opening ceremony, where the forum's theme focused on developing a common educational space in Central Asia and international cooperation.
The Minister of State stated, "Our ancestors connected our civilizations through knowledge. It is now our responsibility to connect future generations through opportunity." Under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is pursuing initiatives to develop human capital and strengthen education.
The Prime Minister’s Education Emergency aims to improve learning outcomes and bring out-of-school children into classrooms. Pakistan is also strengthening research and international partnerships through the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) is working to equip young people with market-relevant technical and vocational skills. Qamar proposed expanding student and faculty exchanges and developing joint degree programmes between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Qamar outlined three priorities: greater academic mobility, stronger university-industry linkages, and inclusive educational opportunities for women and underserved communities. The Minister of State noted, "Education is not merely a social priority; it is a strategic investment in prosperity, resilience and sustainable development."
Professor Dr. Zia Ul Haq, Executive Director of the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, accompanied Qamar at the forum. Qamar concluded by saying, "The measure of our success will not be the number of agreements signed, but the lives transformed through their implementation."
