ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have discussed expanding cooperation in cybersecurity education, university partnerships, research and academic exchanges as both countries seek to deepen people-to-people ties and collaboration in emerging technologies.
The talks were held during a meeting between Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and a visiting US congressional delegation comprising Michael James Baumgartner, representative for Washington’s 5th Congressional District, and Ryan Keith Zinke, representative for Montana’s 1st Congressional District.
Minister of State for Federal Education Wajiha Qamar, National Vocational and Technical Training Commission Chairman Qamar-ul-Islam Raja, the federal education secretary and other senior officials also attended the meeting.
Focus on Cybersecurity Skills and Certification
The two sides discussed developing specialised cybersecurity courses and certification programmes for Pakistani students and professionals.
Dr Siddiqui said training in digital security had become increasingly important as governments, businesses and institutions faced evolving cyber threats.
The meeting also explored partnerships between Pakistani and US universities for curriculum development, faculty collaboration, joint research and knowledge sharing in cybersecurity and other emerging technologies.
Officials said such cooperation could help improve access to specialised training while strengthening Pakistan’s capacity in information technology and digital innovation.
Joint Research and Degree Programmes Discussed
Pakistan and the United States also considered establishing joint research centres, dual-degree programmes and faculty exchange initiatives.
Potential areas of collaboration included public health, climate resilience, water management, food security, teacher education, science and technology.
The participants discussed short-term research exchanges, virtual laboratories, targeted student mobility programmes and joint innovation incubators aimed at supporting research, entrepreneurship and skills development.
Any new initiatives would be developed in accordance with the legal and regulatory frameworks of both countries, according to the ministry.
Pakistan Seeks Wider Participation in US Exchanges
Dr Siddiqui highlighted the role of the Fulbright Program and other US-funded academic exchange initiatives in developing Pakistan’s human capital.
According to the ministry, more than 44,000 Pakistanis have participated in US government exchange programmes.
The minister encouraged students and scholars from all provinces to apply for academic opportunities, particularly in energy, agriculture, water, health, education and climate-related studies.
He also called for stronger links between universities, research institutions and technology companies in Pakistan and the United States.
Cooperation in IT and Emerging Technologies
The meeting covered potential collaboration in information technology, financial technology and agricultural technology.
Dr Siddiqui said Pakistan was prepared to work as a reliable partner in innovation by connecting local universities and technology companies with their US counterparts.
The two sides also discussed the importance of international science, technology, engineering and mathematics talent as immigration, visa and critical-technology policies continue to evolve.
Wider Bilateral Engagement
The education minister welcomed the resumption of visits by US congressional delegations and expressed hope that such exchanges would continue regularly.
The meeting also reviewed broader areas of Pakistan-US cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, minerals, health, agriculture and education.
Both sides said sustained engagement and educational collaboration could help strengthen bilateral relations and improve mutual understanding.
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training said Pakistan remained committed to expanding cooperation with the United States in education, research, innovation and emerging technologies.
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