The University of Peshawar (UoP), and the University Sains Malaysia, Penang agreed to carry out joint archaeological research in Pakistan and Malaysia. The agreement aimed at to improve mutual academic linkages and to jointly carry out research on archaeological sites.
Both institutes' departments of Institute of Archaeology and Social Anthropology (UoP) and the Centre for Global Archaeological Research of University Sains Malaysia (USM) will jointly conduct archaeological exploration and excavation in the Gandhara region of Pakistan and the Bujang Valley in Malaysia under the agreement. Another objective is to collaborate for holding joint activities and share expertise, students' exchanges and faculty for research, training and lectures, seminars, conferences and discussions that will mutually benefit both the institutions. In this regard, a Memorandum of Agreement signed between Dr Muhammad Rasul Jan, Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar and Professor Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal, Acting VC University Sains Malaysia.