ISLAMABAD: The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) have signed a five-year agreement aimed at expanding educational exchange programmes between Pakistan and the United States.
The partnership is expected to provide more Pakistani students and scholars with opportunities to access the US higher education system while strengthening Pakistan’s higher education sector.
The agreement was signed at USEFP headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday by USEFP Executive Director Dr Peter Moran and HEC Executive Director Professor Dr Zia Ul Haq.
According to USEFP, the agreement also covers the expansion of the prestigious Fulbright scholarship programme, a US-funded international exchange initiative that enables students, researchers, teachers and professionals to pursue studies and research in the United States.
“Through this partnership, Pakistani students and scholars gain access to the renowned American education system while improving capacity across Pakistan’s higher education sector,” USEFP said in a statement.
Established in 1950 by the governments of Pakistan and the United States, USEFP is a binational educational organisation that administers jointly funded educational and cultural exchange programmes.
The foundation said its programmes have so far enabled more than 9,000 Pakistanis and nearly 1,000 US nationals to enhance their professional expertise, conduct research and establish lasting connections between the two countries.
The agreement will also facilitate greater collaboration by US citizens in Pakistan in areas including research, business and public health, benefiting universities, businesses and communities in both countries.
Professor Dr Zia Ul Haq said the agreement reflected a shared commitment to empowering Pakistani scholars and strengthening higher education institutions.
“ This milestone agreement underscores our shared vision of empowering Pakistani scholars and higher education institutions that will serve our country for generations to come,” he said.
Dr Peter Moran said USEFP-administered programmes equip participants with skills and practical knowledge that can contribute to Pakistan’s development across different sectors.
He also expressed appreciation for the continued support of the governments of Pakistan and the United States in promoting educational and cultural exchanges.
The exchange programmes are particularly significant for Pakistani students who may otherwise be unable to afford education at leading US institutions. They also promote people-to-people ties and encourage cooperation between the two countries in education, research and other fields.
