Washington: “Establishing robust Pak-US linkages in education sector and facilitating Pakistani students in getting access to top-notch universities of the United States would remain a priority during 2023”, said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States.

“The number of Pakistani students enrolling in US universities and colleges has increased by 17% to 8,000. Still, it’s very small compared to the number of students from other countries of the region. We would work to have it increased especially in STEM subjects,” Masood Khan said.

During a meeting with the delegation of University of Baltistan, headed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khan, Pakistan’s top envoy here said that cooperation in education sector has remained a major plank of Pak-US bilateral ties. This decades-long cooperation has not only opened up vistas of opportunities for Pakistani youth but has also helped to strengthen our ties and improve mutual perceptions.

“We deeply appreciate the US government paying special attention to encourage our talented students, both girls and boys, from underserved areas to study in the world’s leading academic institutes in the United States”, he said.

“The exposure to state of the art academic institutions, learning of advanced knowledge and most importantly cross-cultural interactions help our youth in honing their skills and contribute towards socio-economic development of Pakistan”, Masood Khan said.

Dr. Naeem Khan briefed the Ambassador on various milestones achieved by University of Baltistan. He apprised the Ambassador of academic linkages between University of Baltistan and Boston Architectural College, aimed at developing cultural heritage management curriculum, digital archives, curriculum support, faculty training and cultural exchanges. He also highlighted University’s linkages with Boise State University, USA. Dr. Khan also discussed with the Ambassador a proposal to hold International Buddhist Conference in Skardu, Gilgit Baltistan with the support of the US State Department.

Masood Khan appreciated the University of Baltistan’s efforts to establish linkages with its US counterparts and observed that greater collaboration in STEM, technology, tourism, mines and mineral would go a long way in tapping full potential of the area which had a vast trove of human and natural resources.

Masood Khan assured the Vice Chancellor that the Pakistan Embassy would continue to give its assistance in promoting university to university partnership.