Tehran, Islamabad seek stronger academic ties, student exchange in medical sciences
Officials from Iran and Pakistan convened at the Iranian Cultural Center in Lahore to discuss strengthening educational cooperation, with a particular focus on medical student exchanges.
The gathering was attended by Asghar Masoudi, head of the Iranian Cultural Center in Lahore, and Ahsan Waheed Rathore, president of Pakistan’s University of Medical Sciences.
Masoudi emphasized the deep cultural ties between Iran and Pakistan, stating that academic cooperation would further enhance these relations. “The Iranian Cultural Center in Lahore has always served as a bridge for scientific and cultural exchanges between the two nations and is ready to facilitate collaborations in this regard,” he noted.
On Iran’s scientific advancements, Masoudi pointed out the country’s progress in medical sciences, nanotechnology, surgical robotics, and nuclear medicine.
He stressed that Iranian universities offer excellent facilities for international students and expressed hope that Pakistani students would take advantage of these opportunities.
“The Leader of Iran and the President Masoud Pezeshkian have a positive outlook on strengthening ties with Pakistan, and student exchange programs represent one of the most effective ways to enhance academic and cultural cooperation,” he added.
Rathore acknowledged Iran’s remarkable achievements in medical sciences and expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in learning from Iran’s expertise. “Iran has attained a position in medical research, and its universities rank highly in various scientific fields. We are eager to benefit from Iran’s experiences, particularly in organ transplantation programs,” he added. He proposed that Pakistan’s University of Medical Sciences be included in Iran’s list of recognized institutions, allowing Iranian students to enroll.
Rathore further announced that reserved seats for Iranian students would be allocated at his university to facilitate academic exchange.
Another key point of discussion was the organization of entrance exams for medical and dental programs in Tehran, enabling Iranian students to apply to Pakistani universities without difficulty.
The meeting concluded with a proposal for joint seminars and academic conferences to allow researchers and students from both nations to exchange knowledge. On the sidelines of the event, Iranian achievements in medical sciences post-Islamic Revolution were showcased through banners and video clips, which received significant attention from attendees.