ISLAMABAD, May 4: COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) and the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen industry-academia collaboration in key technological fields, aiming to support research and innovation in Pakistan’s digital infrastructure.
The agreement focuses on joint work in areas such as cybersecurity, biometrics, digital identity systems, secure data management, and artificial intelligence, with the goal of enhancing national identity management systems through applied research.
Focus on research and technology development
The MoU was signed by CUI Registrar Dr. Fahim A. Qureshi and NADRA Director General (RHO) Syed Gohar Abbas Jaffry, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including CUI Rector Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar.
Under the agreement, both institutions will collaborate on research and development initiatives and explore opportunities for training and capacity building in advanced technology domains.
Industry-academia linkage and student opportunities
Officials said the partnership is expected to create opportunities for students to engage with real-world datasets and develop practical solutions in emerging fields. The collaboration is also aimed at strengthening the link between academic research and industry applications.
Prof. Raheel Qamar noted that the partnership brings together the expertise of two public-sector institutions working in advanced technology and data systems, enabling applied learning and innovation.
Broader impact and global potential
The collaboration is also expected to support the development of scalable solutions that could be applied beyond Pakistan through NADRA’s international engagements in regions including Europe, Africa, Oceania, and South Asia.
Both institutions expressed confidence that the partnership will contribute to research-driven innovation, human resource development, and the advancement of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
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