Kazakhstan eager to improve academic ties with Pakistan

LAHORE:The Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Mr Yerzhan Kistafin, visited the University of Health Sciences (UHS) here on Thursday, accompanied by Dr Anar Turmukhambetova, Board Chairman and Rector of Astana Medical University, along with embassy officials Daniyar Altayev and Rana Irfan Haider.

During the visit, the Kazakh delegation met with UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nadia Naseem, Registrar Ms Kiran Fatima and senior faculty heads to discuss possibilities of academic cooperation between medical universities of both nations.

Ambassador Kistafin highlighted that over 1,000 Pakistani students are currently enrolled in universities across Kazakhstan, a majority of whom are studying medicine. ‘Kazakhstan is eager to deepen its academic ties with Pakistan in the field of medical sciences,’ he stated, proposing the establishment of a Kazakhstan-Pakistan Joint Medical Centre as a landmark initiative. He emphasised the importance of further strengthening bilateral relations, expressing optimism that several collaborative agreements will be signed during the upcoming visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan later this year. Dr Anar Turmukhambetova commended the intellect and dedication of Pakistani students studying in Kazakhstan. ‘Our medical education system closely aligns with Pakistan’s, which opens up vast opportunities for academic exchange and joint research,’ she noted. She proposed launching joint degree programmes in medicine and applied sciences and suggested the formation of a joint working group to facilitate structured cooperation.

Dr Turmukhambetova also shared that Astana Medical University has recently introduced a military medicine programme, marking a new frontier in teaching and research. Welcoming the delegation, Prof Dr Ahsan Waheed Rathore assured that Pakistani institutions are open to hosting Kazakh faculty and students. ‘International collaboration not only enhances academic quality but also provides our students and faculty with opportunities for advanced training and research improving overall ranking of our institutions,’ he said.

Meanwhile, the delegation from Kazakhstan visited Punjab University and called on VC Prof Dr M Ali on Thursday. The Kazakh team was led by its Ambassador in Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin. Chairperson of Board/Rector of Astana Medical University, Kazakhstan Anar Akylbekovna also accompanied the delegation.

During the visit, the both sides discussed potential collaborations in student and faculty exchange programmes and explored collaborative research opportunities. Mrs Anar proposed to establish joint collaborations with leading universities in Kazakhstan in all fields, especially in the field of health sciences.