Islamabad (GNP): Islamabad (GNP): Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar called for strengthening education, scientific research, and innovation across OIC member states, describing them as fundamental to human rights and sustainable development, while addressing the Inter-Islamic Forum for the Advancement of Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, hosted by OIC-COMSTECH in Islamabad.
The forum brought together representatives from OIC institutions, diplomats, university vice chancellors, scientists, and delegates from OIC member countries to discuss deeper cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and knowledge-sharing across the Muslim world.
Opening Remarks
Welcoming the minister, COMSTECH Coordinator General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary congratulated Pakistan on successfully hosting the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women and on taking on the organization’s chairmanship for the next two years. He referenced the Islamic concept of “Ilm-un-Nafi” (beneficial knowledge), emphasizing that knowledge should serve humanity, and reaffirmed COMSTECH’s commitment to expanding research collaboration and capacity-building across member states.
Minister’s Address
Speaking as chief guest, Tarar praised COMSTECH’s contributions to scientific cooperation through scholarships, research partnerships, academic exchanges, and support for young scientists. He also commended the organization’s educational support for students from Palestine, Yemen, Bangladesh, and parts of Africa facing significant challenges, describing these efforts as an expression of solidarity among Muslim nations.
Tarar stressed that education is not simply a development goal but a fundamental human right, empowering individuals — particularly women and young people — while strengthening institutions and shaping future generations of innovators. He noted that Pakistan’s constitution enshrines the principles of dignity, equality, and access to education, framing quality education as both a constitutional and human rights obligation.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s recent role in hosting the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women and its upcoming two-year chairmanship, reaffirming the country’s commitment to working with fellow OIC members on human rights, women’s empowerment, and educational and scientific cooperation.
Other Speakers
The forum also featured remarks from several other participants, including Mandera County Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif of Kenya, Malaysian Senator Tuan Jaziri Alkaf, COMSTECH Honorary Advisor Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmud, Dream Team CBO founder Dr. Salma Noor, and Bahria University Rector Vice Admiral (Retd.) Abid Hameed. Speakers emphasized the importance of academic partnerships, scientific collaboration, and youth empowerment in advancing development across OIC member states.
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The forum concluded with closing remarks from COMSTECH’s Murtaza Noor, followed by the presentation of a commemorative shield to Senator Tarar and a group photograph with participants.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
