Atif Ikram Sheikh Calls for Pakistan–OIC Education & Skills Mobility Initiative to Promote Education Tourism

Karachi: President FPCCI Atif Ikram Sheikh has called for enhanced cooperation among
Pakistan and OIC countries in education, research, innovation and skills development,
stating that Pakistan’s talented human capital, large youth population, growing technology
sector and close relations with Muslim countries provide a strong foundation for
promoting education tourism, attracting international students and researchers and
generating investment opportunities. Addressing the International Education Summit,
organized by the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development in collaboration with
COMSTECH, FPCCI and the Board of Investment under the theme “Promoting Global
Education for Sustainable Growth & Economic Prosperity,” he said education, science and
technology must be recognized as key drivers of human capital development, economic
growth and a knowledge-based economy.

Atif Ikram Sheikh highlighted Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to human resource
development in OIC countries through higher education, professional training and hosting
international students, particularly in medicine and engineering. He said Pakistani doctors,
engineers, IT professionals, researchers and entrepreneurs successfully working worldwide
are a reflection of the country’s human capital potential, which should now be transformed
into greater international educational cooperation, research partnerships, investment and
economic opportunities.

The FPCCI President proposed four initiatives: a Pakistan–OIC Education and Skills
Mobility Initiative for student and faculty exchanges, scholarships, internships and
professional training; an annual Pakistan Education, Research & Investment Forum to
connect universities, investors, technology companies and international institutions; an
Education Tourism Facilitation Desk to assist international students and institutions in
accessing information about Pakistani universities and investment opportunities; and
stronger university–industry linkages to promote research commercialization,
entrepreneurship, internships and employment-oriented education.

Atif Ikram Sheikh emphasized that FPCCI is ready to facilitate stronger linkages between
Pakistani educational institutions, investors and their counterparts across OIC countries
and invited international universities, investors and business communities to explore
Pakistan’s educational, research and investment potential. He appreciated the Islamic
Chamber of Commerce and Development for providing the platform and said that
education can become an important bridge connecting economies, societies and people
while contributing to sustainable economic growth, investment and employment 
generation

Brig Iftikhar Opel, SI (M), Retd.

Secretary General