By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
14 August 2026 – The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on 13 August 2026 to strengthen cooperation in higher education, with a particular focus on inclusive education and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The partnership builds on the long-standing relationship between AIT and HEC Pakistan and provides a framework for jointly developing and delivering international training programs in inclusive higher education.
Under the agreement, AIT and HEC will collaborate on capacity development programs focused on higher education policies, accessibility, and institutional practices that support persons with disabilities (PWDs). The training programs will primarily target members of Higher Education Institution (HEI) Accessibility Committees, HEC management and officers, as well as other participants nominated by HEC.
The collaboration will include reviewing capacity development needs in line with relevant HEC policies and guidelines, and jointly designing customized international training programs and short courses based on identified priorities. AIT and HEC will also work together in implementing and facilitating the training activities, assessing learning outcomes, and developing follow-up activities to strengthen the impact of the programs.
In addition, both institutions will promote the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and good practices with universities, national agencies, and regional and international development partners. This is expected to support wider collaboration and help scale up effective approaches to inclusive higher education.
Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension, highlighted the importance of building on the long-standing cooperation between the two institutions. “This partnership between AIT and HEC builds on our long-standing collaboration and the valuable work we have undertaken together in the past. Through this renewed cooperation, we look forward to further strengthening academic and professional development, expanding opportunities for lifelong learning and knowledge exchange, and advancing inclusive access to higher education.”
He added that AIT values its relationship with HEC Pakistan and sees the partnership as a platform for creating meaningful impact in Pakistan and across the wider region.
Mr. Ghulam Nabi, Director General, Finance Division, HEC, described the agreement as an important step in renewing the partnership between HEC and AIT. “This MoA marks an important revival of the longstanding partnership between HEC and AIT. Our previous collaboration, including the successful cohorts supported between 2011 and 2016, produced highly capable professionals who are now contributing to universities and institutions across Pakistan.”
He added that the renewed partnership could create further opportunities for scholarships, academic and professional development, faculty and student exchanges, and broader institutional cooperation.
Through the MoA, AIT and HEC Pakistan aim to strengthen institutional capacity, expand opportunities for professional development, and contribute to a more accessible and inclusive higher education environment in Pakistan.
The signing was attended by HEC officials including Mr Tariq Iqbal, Director General HEC Litigation Section; Mr. Saleem Ullah Sohoo, Director General HEC Research & Analysis Activities Section; Mr. Sulaiman Ahmad, Director Regional Center Karachi; Mr. Riaz Ahmed, Deputy Director HEC Research & Analysis Activities Section; Mr. Meer Hassan, Disability Officer of HEIs; Mr. Parvez Iqbal, Director HEC Audit and Mr. Muhammad Nasir, Secretary to Executive Director.
From AIT Ms. Narumon Wangnai, Senior Program Specialist, AIT Extension and Dr. Sumana Shrestha, Director, Office of International Affairs, Office of Development and External Affairs were present.
