Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, today called for strengthening education, scientific research and innovation across the Muslim world, describing them as essential pillars of human rights, sustainable development and shared prosperity, while addressing the Inter-Islamic Forum for the Advancement of Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, organised by COMSTECH at its Secretariat in Islamabad.
The Forum brought together representatives of OIC institutions, diplomats, vice chancellors, eminent scientists, scholars and delegates from OIC Member States to deliberate on strengthening cooperation in higher education, scientific research, technological innovation and knowledge-sharing across the Muslim world.
Welcoming the Federal Minister, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, congratulated Pakistan on the successful hosting of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women and on assuming its Chairmanship for the next two years. He highlighted Islam's rich intellectual heritage and the concept of "Ilm-un-Nafi'" (beneficial knowledge), emphasizing that knowledge should serve humanity while reaffirming COMSTECH's commitment to expanding research collaboration, innovation and capacity-building across OIC Member States.
Addressing the Forum as the chief guest, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar commended COMSTECH for its significant contributions to scientific cooperation through scholarships, research collaborations, academic exchanges, capacity-building programmes and support for young scientists. He also appreciated COMSTECH's educational support for scholars and students from Palestine, Yemen, Bangladesh, Africa and other countries facing exceptional challenges, describing these initiatives as a reflection of Islamic solidarity and cooperation.
The Federal Minister emphasized that education is not merely a development priority but a fundamental human right. He noted that education empowers individuals, particularly women and young people, expands opportunities, strengthens institutions and nurtures the next generation of innovators and leaders. He further observed that Pakistan's Constitution enshrines dignity, equality and the promotion of education, making access to quality education both a constitutional obligation and a human rights imperative.
Highlighting Pakistan's commitment to multilateral cooperation within the OIC, the Federal Minister noted that Pakistan had recently hosted the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women and assumed its Chairmanship for the next two years. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to working closely with fellow OIC Member States to advance human rights, women's empowerment, education, scientific cooperation and inclusive development.
H.E. Mohamed Adan Khalif, Governor of Mandera County, Kenya, H.E. Tuan Jaziri Alkaf, Senator of Malaysia and Chairman of MyProdigy Foundation Malaysia, Prof. Dr. Shahid Mahmud, Honorary Advisor, OIC-COMSTECH, Dr. Salma Noor, Founder and Patron of Dream Team CBO, and Vice Admiral (R) Abid Hameed HI(M), Rector, Bahria University also addressed the Forum. They emphasized the importance of strengthening academic partnerships, scientific research, innovation, institutional collaboration and youth empowerment to advance sustainable development across OIC Member States.
The Forum concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Murtaza Noor, Focal Person, Outreach, CCoE & Media, OIC-COMSTECH, followed by the presentation of a commemorative shield to the Chief Guest, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, and a group photograph of the distinguished participants.
