ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is all set to host Muslim world`s vice chancellors` forum next month in Islamabad as Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr Mukhtar Ahmed on Monday extended an invitation in this regard to officials of Somalia.

The event from Feb 4 to 7 will bring together over 150 vice-chancellors from universities across OIC member states, aiming to enhance collaboration in higher education within the Islamic world.

A Somalian delegation led by Minister of Education Farah Abdulkadir and Ambassador of Somalia in Pakistan Sheikhnur Mohamed Hassan visited HEC Secretariat on Monday and met HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed.

The officials of Somalia are in to Pakistan to attended international girls conference that concluded on Sunday.

During the meeting, both sides discussed opportunities for the mutual development of higher education sector of the two countries.

The Somalian delegation also included Director General of the Ministry of Education Abdullahi Omar, Advisers to the Ministry of Education Ms Deka, and Ms Asma from the Embassy of Somalia.

HEC Adviser on Global Engagement Awais Ahmad and director administration Mr Tariq Iqbal attended the meeting.

According to a press release, the HEC Chairman emphasised the organization`s ongoing efforts to increase scholarships for international students in Pakistan, particularly for youth from Muslim countries.

He highlighted the success of the Afghan Student Scholarship Programme, which has enabled numerous Afghan students to pursue higher education in Pakistan`s top universities.

Dr Ahmed assured the Somali delegates of HEC`s full support in advancing higher education in Somalia and providing opportunities for Somali students to benefit from academic programmes in Pakistan.

He particularly emphasised the collaboration for strengthening quality assurance systems as well as enhancing collaboration in the areas of agriculture and information technology.

Dr Mukhtar Ahmed also briefed the delegation on `llm-Bank,` a virtual platform that aims to serve as a knowledge consortium for higher education institutions in OIC countries.

This platform will facilitate cross-border education, training, and research opportunities, allowing students and scholars to connect with resources from across member states.