Lancaster University: Diplomatic visit to cement links between Lancaster University and Pakistan
The Consul General of Pakistan recently visited Lancaster University to learn more about the institution’s work and its plans for engaging with the Pakistani community, both in the UK and in Pakistan.
As part of the visit, His Excellency Muhammad Tariq Wazir met with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Steve Bradley and a number of Lancaster staff and students with ties to Pakistan.
One presentation from Professor Muhammad Munir, Professor in Virology and Viral Zoonoses, outlined how the University had responded to the COVID-19 pandemic through its work on an intranasal vaccine for the virus, as well as developing world-leading virucidal personal protective equipment (PPE).
Professor Munir said: “It was a pleasure showcasing some of the impactful and translational research activities being conducted at Lancaster University with the hope that this interaction will open future avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange between researchers of both countries.”
Noor Ul Hassan, a second year BSc Accounting and Finance student and President of the Lancaster University Pakistani Society, who took part in the event, added: “It was a great honour to meet His Excellency. It was a pleasure to share the lived experiences of students at this prestigious University.
“As a Pakistani student, the visit by the Consul General has given me a greater drive to do well in my studies and I feel very fortunate to have access to excellent learning opportunities.”
Dr Sayjda Talib, a Senior Teaching Fellow in Lancaster Management School, said the visit would help develop further ties between the two countries.
She added: “It was a privilege to host the Consul General and Commercial Attache. We discussed the positive trends in postgraduate engagement and further enabling accessibility to higher education, including through Lancaster’s Global Scholarship for high achieving students.
“We look forward to taking the next steps in strengthening research and industry partnerships with Pakistan.”
Following the visit, Mr Wazir, who was accompanied by Commercial Attache Muhammad Akhtar, said: “It was a highly insightful visit to Lancaster University and a delight to see the outstanding campus facilities and get a glimpse of the cutting-edge research being conducted.
“Speaking with staff and students, it’s very clear why Lancaster University is ranked first in the north for student satisfaction and why it holds an unwavering reputation for delivering world-quality research.”