Karachi, January 23, 2026 — In a significant step toward strengthening educational and people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Indonesia, a high-level delegation from Iqra University, led by its Vice Chancellor and President Professor Dr. Nassar Ikram, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Drs. Mudzakir, M.A., Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Karachi, at the Consulate General.
The visit marked a continuation of the close and evolving relationship between Iqra University and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia, which formally began in 2022 with the hosting of an Indonesian PhD scholar at Iqra University. Since then, the partnership has grown into a dynamic collaboration, including a formal delegation visit to Indonesia and institutional linkages with six (6) Indonesian universities across three (3) cities, creating strong momentum for sustained academic cooperation at the end of year 2022.
At the outset of the meeting, Professor Dr. Nassar Ikram underscored the deep-rooted historical friendship between the two nations, recalling Indonesia’s unwavering support to Pakistan during critical times.
“We deeply value the friendship of Indonesia, particularly remembering how Indonesia stood with Pakistan in 1965 by extending its full defence support at a time of national need. Such acts of valor and solidarity are not forgotten and form the emotional and moral foundation of our relationship today,” he remarked.
The discussions covered a wide range of themes including the educational landscape of both countries, evolving economic cooperation, historical trade routes, the growing presence of Indonesian products in Pakistan, and the long-standing cultural affinity between the two nations. Both sides emphasized the importance of exchanging educational experiences alongside economic and diplomatic engagement.
His Excellency Drs. Mudzakir, M.A. emphasized the evolving role of universities in modern diplomacy and bilateral relations:
“While economic and trade cooperation remains vital, it is equally important that universities actively engage with diplomatic missions to build sustainable, people-centered partnerships. Universities are not merely centers of learning; they are engines of cultural understanding, intellectual diplomacy, and future leadership. Educational collaboration creates long-term bridges between nations by nurturing mutual respect, shared values, and continuous dialogue between societies ”
Highlighting Iqra University’s academic vision, the Vice Chancellor of Iqra University outlined a concrete roadmap for student and faculty mobility:
“Given the similarities in our educational infrastructures and shared Islamic values, we see strong opportunities for inbound and outbound student mobility, bilateral exchanges, and faculty collaboration. Iqra University is ready to host Indonesian students along with faculty members from partner Indonesian universities for a semester or a full year with zero tuition and accommodation costs.”
In response, His Excellency Drs. Mudzakir, M.A. appreciated the University’s forward-looking approach and reaffirmed the Consulate’s facilitative role, stating:
“We sincerely appreciate Iqra University for extending this opportunity. The Consulate General in Karachi is fully aligned to support the initiation of bilateral exchange agreements and will engage all partner Indonesian universities of Iqra University to advance academic cooperation for the benefit of students and educators of both countries.”
His Excellency further shared an important youth diplomacy initiative of the Consulate, stating:
“We offer a 2-month diplomatic internship program for selected Indonesian students to gain exposure to foreign affairs. We would be keen for these interns to engage in dialogue with Iqra University students and visit the campus as part of their program, fostering deeper cultural and knowledge exchange.”
Professor Dr. Nassar Ikram warmly welcomed this initiative and expressed Iqra University’s full readiness to host and engage these students.
As part of the visit, Professor Dr. Nassar Ikram also personally met Indonesian diplomatic internees from different Indonesian universities currently serving at the Consulate General under the internship program. He engaged them in a lively and meaningful interaction regarding their academic interests, experiences in Karachi, and their role in promoting cultural and educational exchange between the two countries. He extended a formal invitation to the interns to visit Iqra University and explore its academic environment.
The meeting concluded on a cordial and symbolic note, with the Vice Chancellor presenting a memento of gratitude to His Excellency along with custom-made gifts designed by Iqra University’s fashion design students, reflecting Pakistan’s creative heritage. In return, His Excellency presented a memento and gifted a book on Bali to the President of Iqra University as a gesture of cultural appreciation.
The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of Iqra University and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia to elevate Pakistan–Indonesia relations through education, youth engagement, and sustained institutional collaboration, with the upcoming student and faculty exchange program scheduled to commence in Fall 2026.
Iqra University formalized five-year academic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the following Indonesian universities in December 2022, laying the foundation for sustained academic and institutional collaboration:
- Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN Jakarta) – Jakarta
- Al Azhar University, Jakarta – Jakarta
- Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) – Jakarta
- Universitas Udayana – Bali
- Universitas Pendidikan Nasional (UNDIKNAS) – Bandung
- Telkom University – Bandung
- Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) – Jakarta
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Headline: Iqra University Advances Pakistan–Indonesia Relations Through Landmark Academic Collaboration Talks 
Caption:
On January 23, 2026, Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Vice Chancellor and President of Iqra University, visited H.E. Drs. Mudzakir, M.A., Consul General of Indonesia in Karachi, to further enhance educational collaboration and people-to-people ties.
Discussions highlighted exciting bilateral student and faculty exchange opportunities: Indonesian students from the partnered institution will be warmly welcomed at Iqra University for a semester or a full year exchange program with zero tuition and accommodation costs.
Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram also personally met Indonesian diplomatic interns, fostering a lively cultural and academic dialogue to strengthen youth engagement between the two nations.
Iqra University continues to collaborate with 6 leading Indonesian universities through five-year MoUs signed in December 2022
- Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University (UIN Jakarta) – Jakarta
- Al Azhar University, Jakarta – Jakarta
- Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ) – Jakarta
- Universitas Udayana – Bali
- Universitas Pendidikan Nasional (UNDIKNAS) – Bandung
- Telkom University – Bandung
For more detailed information, read the full press release on our website:
For more information & details about our current international opportunities, you may visit our LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/IQRA.International.Office
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#IqraUniversity #PakistanIndonesiaTies #StudentExchange #YouthDiplomacy #GlobalEducation #AcademicCollaboration #CulturalExchange #FutureLeaders #EducationWithoutBorders
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