COMSTECH expands scientific ties with China aiming to further enhance cooperation in healthcare and technological fields.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) has expanded its collaboration with China in science, technology, and healthcare, reinforcing international partnerships in these fields.
During a ceremony held at the COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, the Coordinator General of OIC-COMSTECH, highlighted the strengthening ties between COMSTECH and China in scientific and technological advancements. He praised Prof. Dr. Xinmin Liu, a renowned Chinese scientist, for his 25 years of contributions to Sino-Pakistan scientific cooperation.
Dr. Liu has significantly contributed to training Pakistani researchers and helped establish the Pakistan Centre for Traditional Medicine. In recognition of his efforts, he was honored with the Tamgha-e-Quaid-e-Azam, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards for foreign nationals. Prof. Choudhary also emphasized COMSTECH’s key role in executing OIC resolutions related to science, technology, healthcare, agriculture, higher education, and climate change. He noted Pakistan’s contribution in introducing China as a special representative to the OIC, further strengthening global research collaboration.
The China-Pakistan Strategic Collaboration in Science and Technology has expanded across multiple fields, including space research, traditional medicine, and high-tech innovation. One significant initiative under this partnership is the Seeds in Space Programme, which explores the impact of space conditions on medicinal plants.
Under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), 100 research fellowships have been granted to Pakistani scientists in various fields such as precision agriculture, virology, and infectious diseases. Additionally, China is conducting clinical trials in Pakistan for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and herbal treatments to gain local regulatory approval. Chinese pharmaceutical firms are also considering establishing production facilities in Pakistan. Furthermore, ten Pakistani doctors will receive annual training in TCM at leading Chinese universities.
In Pakistan’s Sindh province, Provincial Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho has launched key TCM programs to provide healthcare benefits to local communities.
Collaborations in artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and digital transformation are also progressing, with Huawei playing a strategic role. Research in biotechnology and nutritional medicine is advancing, focusing on developing plant-based supplements for chronic disease management.
Looking forward, COMSTECH and China plan to strengthen their partnership in space medicine, higher education, and economic development through scientific innovation. Chinese institutions such as Xinjiang Medical University, Ningbo University, and Hunan University of Chinese Medicine are actively training Pakistani researchers at institutions like the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), Hamdard University, and the University of Lahore. These collaborations are expected to enhance Pakistan’s research capabilities, attract investment, and drive technological progress.
During the event, Prof. Dr. Xinmin Liu expressed his gratitude for receiving Pakistan’s esteemed civil award. He acknowledged COMSTECH’s crucial role in fostering scientific collaboration between OIC member states and China, emphasizing the need for continued cooperation in research and innovation.
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