Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal will embark on a five-day official visit to the United Kingdom from Nov 5 to 9, on the invitation of leading British universities, knowledge institutions, and Pakistani diaspora organizations.

The visit aims to advance the implementation phase of the 'Uraan Pakistan' vision, which focuses on knowledge partnerships, human capital development, and innovation-led reform. It seeks to translate ideas into measurable outcomes through collaboration with global academia, business communities, and Pakistani expatriates.

MoUs to strengthen academic collaboration

During the visit, the minister will witness the signing of two memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing cooperation in education, research, and technology.

The first MoU will be signed between the University of Cambridge and Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. This five-year academic partnership will open new pathways for joint research, institutional collaboration, and innovation exchange between Pakistan and the UK.

The second MoU will focus on broadening educational, research, and technological cooperation, marking a pivotal step in implementing Pakistan’s development roadmap under Uraan Pakistan.

Throughout the visit, the minister will meet representatives of public organizations in the UK to exchange knowledge and best practices on civil service reforms.

He will also engage with academics, scholars, students, and the Pakistani diaspora to inspire action-oriented cooperation for sustainable development, reform-driven governance, and evidence-based policymaking.

Uraan Pakistan conference at Oxford University

On November 8, the minister will deliver a keynote address at the 'Uraan Pakistan Conference' at Oxford University, organized by the Oxford Pakistan Society.

The address will highlight the importance of result-focused collaboration among youth, experts, and researchers to link policy formulation with real-world innovation and measurable national progress. The conference will bring together thought leaders and academics to explore ways Pakistan can accelerate reform through global knowledge exchange.

The visit will conclude on November 9 with Iqbal Day celebrations at Trinity College, Cambridge, organized by the Pakistan Society at Cambridge.

In his remarks, the minister will reflect on Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s message of self-reliance, creativity, and purposeful action, connecting it with Pakistan’s forward-looking development vision under Uraan Pakistan.