Islamabad, April 24, 2024: Following up on their previous visit on September 19, 2023, Mr. Christopher Gibson, International Officer of the University of Manchester (UoM), United Kingdom, once again graced the CUI Islamabad campus with his presence on April 24, 2024. Accompanying him this time were Dr. Panagiotis Sousounis, Senior Lecturer in Economics at the School of Social Sciences, UoM, and Mr. Arsalan A. Shaikh, Country Manager of Aspire Educational Consulting, Karachi. The primary aim of this visit was again to delve into potential collaboration opportunities between UoM and CUI.

The delegation engaged in discussions with Dr. Hammad Omer, T.I., Head International Office, and Mr. Ali Tawab Baloch, Senior Manager of the International Office. Dr. Mumtaz Ahmed, Tenured Associate Professor and the Head of the Economics Department at CUI Islamabad Campus, also participated in the meeting.

Dr. Omer highlighted ongoing efforts in fostering bilateral higher education relations between the UK and Pakistan, mentioning a current visit by a prominent British delegation. While the delegation aims to explore collaborative prospects, Mr. Chris clarified that UoM is not part of this initiative, focusing instead on exchange programs, student outreach, and internationalization efforts for study abroad programs. He emphasized UoM's reluctance towards joint degree programs with other universities worldwide.

Dr. Omer discussed initiatives aimed at fostering direct interactions between faculty members and enhancing exposure for PhD students. To facilitate these connections, both institutions agreed to compile a list of faculty members along with their areas of expertise, starting with the Departments of Economics and Electrical and Computer Engineering. Mr. Baloch highlighted available funding opportunities at HEC for PhD research projects.

Discussions also broached the topic of fee discounts for CUI students studying at the University of Manchester, particularly focusing on Master's and PhD tuition fee reductions. However, it was clarified that UoM does not offer such provisions, with only the Global Future Scholarships available.

Furthermore, the hosts organized a lecture by Dr. Sousounis titled, "The Market for Risky Jobs" at the Videoconference Room in the Junaid Zaidi Library, which was attended by faculty and students from the Department of Economics of CUI Islamabad Campus. The delegation also took a tour of the Islamabad campus, including a visit to the Junaid Zaidi Library.

The meeting concluded on an optimistic note, with both institutions envisioning a mutually beneficial collaboration that would enrich academic opportunities and global perspectives.