The universities associated with Inter University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences (IUCPSS) will have "Heydar Aliyev Corners" on the name of National Leader of Azerbaijan according to the MoU singed between Embassy of Azerbaijan and IUCPSS in a ceremony held on Wednesday.
The corners will be set up to pay homage to the visionary leadership in different member institutions of IUCPSS - an alliance of twelve Pakistani universities to promote the youth, educational (fellowships) and cultural linkages between Universities of both countries.
The ceremony was organised to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Heydar Aliyev by IUCPSS and The Diplomatic Insight here at Higher Education Commission (HEC) and attended by the diplomats, vice chancellors and academicians. Expressing his views on the occasion, Dr Javaid R. Laghari, Chairperson HEC appreciated the initiative and assured the support of HEC in making the endeavour effective and successful.
He said that Pakistan-Central Asia relations are based on geographical proximity, common history, culture, traditions, religion, values and destiny. Pakistan and these states can work together and avail the expertise of one another in the areas of research, information technology and scientific co-operation, he said.
The inter university collaborations between the two countries can be greatly helpful for the socio -economic development of the region. He also suggested that central Asian states can also benefit from the development made in higher education sector in Pakistan during last decade. Ambassador of Republic of Azerbaijan, Dashgin Shikarov said Muslim countries with unique commonalities of historical, religious and political nature must have strong linkages in different sectors.
He also announced 36 scholarships for the deserving students enrolled at the consortium member institutions and their visit to Azerbaijan. He said that this MoU would help in establishment of Heyder Aliyev Corners in member Universities of Consortium and develop linkages between Universities of both countries.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, Professor Dr Muhammad Mukhtar, Founding Chairperson IUCPSS and Vice Chancellor the Islamia University Bahawalpur said that under facilitation of HEC, IUCPSS carrying twelve renowned and prestigious higher educational institutions is establishing linkages with national and international organisations for improving social sciences, arts and humanities and research activities in Pakistan.
Professor Dr Parveen Shah, Vice Chancellor Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, Professor Dr Ihsan Ali, Vice Chancellor Abdul Wali khan University Mardan, Professor Dr Masoom Yasinzai, Vice Chancellor Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad, Professor Dr Nasser Ali, Vice Chancellor University of Haripur also spoke on the occasion and highlighted various aspects of bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Azerbaijan.
Professor Dr Zakir Hussain, Vice Chancellor Government College University Faisalabad, Dr Haroon Rashid, Pro-Rector COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Islamabad, Professor Dr Muhammad Mohsin Khan, Director IMS Peshawar and Muhammad Asif, Chief Editor, The Diplomatic Insight also spoke on the occasion. They also hoped that increased co-operation between the two countries would certainly be mutually beneficial.

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