Diplomatic Correspondent: The second phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships under the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor was launched today with the inauguration of the Pakistan Education Expo 2026 at a hotel in Dhaka.

Organized by the Pakistan High Commission in Bangladesh in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the expo brought together representatives from 20 leading Pakistani universities and institutions to highlight scholarship opportunities and higher education options for Bangladeshi students.

The Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor was initiated following the visit of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar to Bangladesh in August 2025, when he announced 500 scholarships for Bangladeshi students.

Officials said the initiative reflects the shared vision of Pakistan’s Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Bangladesh’s Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Tarique Rahman to promote education, youth development, and academic collaboration between the two countries.

Bangladesh’s Education Minister Dr. A.N.M. Ehsanul Hoque Milon inaugurated the expo. Senior officials from the Ministry of Education, vice-chancellors and principals of leading universities and colleges, representatives of Pakistani universities, journalists, and a large number of students attended the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Milon said the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor would open new avenues for educational and research cooperation and further strengthen bilateral academic relations. He termed the fully funded scholarship opportunity for Bangladeshi students to pursue quality higher education in Pakistan “highly commendable.”

Pakistan High Commissioner Imran Haider described the initiative as a “landmark step” toward building enduring academic and institutional linkages between the two countries. He noted that Bangladeshi students have already commenced studies at prominent Pakistani universities under the first phase.

Expressing confidence that enhanced educational exchanges would further strengthen bilateral relations and people-to-people ties, the High Commissioner said the program would create new avenues for academic mobility, joint research, institutional partnerships, and deeper engagement.

Following the Dhaka event, similar Education Expos will be held in Barishal on May 12, Rajshahi on May 14, Sylhet on May 17, Chittagong on May 18, and Rangpur on May 20 to reach students across Bangladesh.

The event saw enthusiastic participation from students and academia and was widely appreciated as an important initiative to deepen educational cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh.