ISLAMABAD — Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal will begin a five-day official visit to the United Kingdom from November 5 to 9, on the invitation of leading British universities, knowledge institutions, and Pakistani diaspora organizations.
The visit aims to advance the implementation of ‘Uraan Pakistan’, a national vision focused on knowledge partnerships, human capital development, and innovation-led reform. The initiative seeks to convert ideas into measurable outcomes through collaboration with global academia and business communities.
Academic Collaboration Strengthened
During the trip, the minister will witness the signing of two key memoranda of understanding (MoUs) to boost cooperation in education, research, and technology.
The first MoU, between the University of Cambridge and Quaid-i-Azam University, will establish a five-year partnership promoting joint research and institutional collaboration.
The second MoU will further expand academic and technological cooperation, reinforcing Pakistan’s development roadmap under Uraan Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal will also meet officials from UK public organizations to exchange insights on civil service reform and policy innovation.
‘Uraan Pakistan’ Conference at Oxford
On November 8, the minister will deliver a keynote address at the ‘Uraan Pakistan Conference’ at Oxford University, hosted by the Oxford Pakistan Society. The event will emphasize collaboration among youth, scholars, and policymakers to drive innovation-based national progress.
The visit will conclude on November 9 with Iqbal Day celebrations at Trinity College, Cambridge, where the minister will link Allama Iqbal’s message of self-reliance and creativity to Pakistan’s forward-looking development vision.
