Minister backs expansion of COMSATS campuses, emphasises innovation in Higher Education

ISLAMABAD, Apr 02 (APP):Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui Thursday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding higher education infrastructure and promoting innovation-driven development across the country.
The assurance came during a meeting with Professor Raheel Qamar, Rector of COMSATS University Islamabad, who called on the minister at his office.
During the meeting, the Rector requested allocation of land for establishing new COMSATS campuses in Karachi and Quetta.
The minister welcomed the proposal and expressed his desire to materialise the projects, underscoring the importance of expanding access to quality higher education in underserved regions.
The matters related to the upcoming 46th Session of the Executive Council and the 15th General Conference of Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), scheduled to be held in Kazan from May 13–15, 2026, were also discussed in detail.
Prof. Qamar conveyed the university’s interest in hosting a future ICESCO General Conference in Pakistan on behalf of the government.
The Rector further apprised the minister of various initiatives undertaken by the university, particularly in employee upskilling and capacity building. He also highlighted the successful implementation of the Electronic Filing System (EFS), which has enhanced administrative efficiency while contributing to environmental sustainability.
The meeting concluded with both sides reiterating their commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s higher education sector and fostering innovation-led growth.