CAPES, iae global host educational convention linking Pakistan with Asia Pacific

ISLAMABAD: Consortium for Asia Pacific and Eurasian Studies (CAPES), in collaboration with iae global, arranged an educational convention mainly connecting Pakistan with the Asia Pacific on October 28, 2025.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, former chairman of Higher Education Commission (HEC), was the chief guest of the event.

While speaking on the occasion he commented that HEC has already drafted the Transnational Education Policy and is implemented to encourage offshore campuses and joint degree programs of Pakistani universities and foreign institutions.

HEC has worked to create a gender balance in Pakistani society giving females and males’ equal opportunity to learn and gain knowledge.

He also brought this point into consideration that the youth should avail the opportunities of studying abroad. They should work towards diversification of the human resources and gain more creativity.

This is a source of brain gain and through interacting with others it is a way of learning new technology and changing yourself with the changed environment.

He suggested that future research should be based on the areas which can serve the humanity such as climate change, food security and eradication of terrorism.

Dr. Khuram Iqbal, President CAPES, said that education serves as a bridge for global connectivity.

In past, Pakistani students preferred western universities mainly of USA, UK and Canada due to pre-existing diaspora, open door policies and inclusive environment.

But with changing geo-political dynamics, educational landscape is also changing. Now, youth is considering the options other than western universities mainly in Australia, Singapore, Japan, China and South Korea.

The demographic changes in Asia Pacific countries can be utilized as an opportunity for Pakistani students. This diversification from west to east can help Pakistan in building its soft power.

Michael Barnes, CEO iae global, praised Pakistan for having high level of education and making advancements in science and technology.

But he focused that more agreements, customized programs, training initiatives can further refine the capabilities of youth present in Pakistan.

He suggested that from learning from advanced and established institutions internationally, the Pakistani students should travel back in order to serve their nation.  The event was moderated by Umair Pervez Khan, general secretary CAPES.

The event was attended by large number of students from different universities. In addition to this, faculty from different universities also joined the occasion.

The event was followed by a focus group discussion and concluded with the MoU signing between CAPES and iae global.