ISLAMABAD, Sep 16 (APP): Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Prof. Ahsan Iqbal said on Friday that US Pakistan Knowledge Corridor is the most important initiative taken in decades long strategic relations between the two countries and it has all potential to further promote the people to people relations.
He siad Pak US Knowledge Corridor was one of the most significant initiatives in the entire diplomatic history of Pakistan.
He vowed to facilitate as many as 10,000 talented Pakistani scholars for enrollment in the top US universities for doctorate studies during the next 10 years in different fields including Water & Food Security, Environmental Science, Climate Change, and Digital technologies.
He was exchanging his views during a meeting with the US delegation led by US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale who called on the minister here at Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform.
“Pakistan highly values its relations with the US,” the minister said in his welcoming remarks.
Ahsan Iqbal said that government of Pakistan was committed to expand mutual cooperation with the US government in the sectors which bring socio economic benifits and well being of the region.
“Sustainable development brings peace and prosperity which is in the best interest of whole mankind”, he said.
The minister was of the view that the Knowledge Corridor was the key to achieve the agenda of Pakistan Vision 2025 for transforming the country into knowledge economy.
He said, both countries would have to further promote mutual cooperation to deal the challenge of poverty, economic imbalance and social injustice.
Ahsan Iqbal, while talking to the US delegation, also suggested that the US must consider to offer 3 6 months fellowship to the brilliant Pakistani youth for helping their capacity building and enable to come up with better performance under democratic framework.
Earlier, in a special interactive session with the US universities Ph.D alumni teaching in Pakistan, he said that the Pakistani youth has immense potential to move the country towards peace and prosperity.
The session was held at the HEC office, and Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar was also present on the occasion.
“We envisage training of 10,000 Ph.D in 10 years in top 200 US universities for which government of Pakistan will provide scholarships, “ the minister vowed.
He said that government is committed to establish university campuses in every district across the country.
A large number of US alumni attended the session, and lauded the positive contribution of the minister for empowering the youth in the national development and decision making processes.
