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ISLAMABAD, Jan 26 (APP):The Higher Education Working Group (HEWG) of Pakistan and the United States (U.S.) was formally reconstituted after a gap of ten years, marking a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation in the education sector.
The aim of this joint Working Group is to strengthening institutional linkages, enhancing academic opportunities, and fostering people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The inaugural meeting of this group was held on Monday at the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), Islamabad, under the joint leadership of Ms Wajiha Qamar, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training ( M/o FE & PT), and the U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy.
The other Pakistani delegation comprised senior officials from the M/o FE & PT, the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the Higher Education Commission, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The U.S. delegation included senior officials from the U.S. Embassy Islamabad’s Public Diplomacy section.
The meeting focused on two priority agenda items: exploring vocational education accreditation opportunities through collaboration with the NAVTTC, and discussing the sustainability and expansion of the Fulbright Program to further strengthen higher education cooperation.
The Minister of State for Federal Education emphasized the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to revitalizing international academic partnerships, stating that the reactivation of the Joint Working Group after a decade reflects renewed momentum in Pakistan–U.S. educational collaboration and will open new pathways for skills development, quality assurance in vocational training, and expanded access to global academic opportunities for Pakistani students.
The U.S. side reaffirmed continued support for Pakistan’s education sector, highlighting the trans-formative impact of the Fulbright Program and the importance of sustained bilateral engagement in higher education and workforce development.
Both sides agreed to maintain regular engagement through the Working Group to ensure tangible outcomes, enhance vocational and higher education frameworks, and deepen long-term educational cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.