Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies (IPDS), Islamabad, and the Department of International Relations, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), in collaboration with the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Center, BUITEMS, have signed a landmark memorandum of understanding. The MoU aims to foster academic collaboration by creating new opportunities for joint research, professional training, policy dialogue, seminars, student and faculty engagement, and exposure visits between BUITEMS and IPDS.
The agreement marks an important step towards linking Islamabad-based diplomatic and research networks with Balochistan’s academic and field-level expertise, particularly in view of the province’s central position in CPEC and regional connectivity.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both institutions. IPDS was represented by Dr Farhat Asif, President of IPDS, and Mr Asif Noor, along with other senior staff members.
BUITEMS was represented by the Pro Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Mirwais Kasi; the Registrar, Mr Jamal Mustafa; the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof Dr Aurangzaib Alamgir; the Head of the Department of International Relations, Dr Hidayat; and the Director, CPEC Center, Mr Munzoor Hussain.
Under the MoU, IPDS and the Department of International Relations at BUITEMS will collaborate on short courses, certificate programmes, professional trainings, guest lectures, webinars and joint symposiums. The areas of training will include diplomatic studies, foreign policy analysis, conflict resolution, international law and contemporary diplomacy.
The agreement will also provide BUITEMS students and faculty access to IPDS initiatives. Both institutions will work together on policy briefs, research papers and publications. The MoU also provides for support to academic journal development, including editorial systems, HEC recognition and indexing pathways.
A major component of the agreement focuses on CPEC, regional connectivity, and China-Pakistan studies. IPDS, through its Centre for Belt and Road and China Studies, and the CPEC Center of Excellence at BUITEMS will jointly organise seminars, roundtables and conferences on CPEC, the Belt and Road Initiative and Pakistan-China relations.
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Speaking on the occasion, participants said the partnership would help create new opportunities for students, researchers and young professionals from Balochistan to engage with diplomatic missions, international experts, policy platforms and research networks.
The MoU will remain in effect for three years and may be renewed by mutual consent. A joint coordination committee will be formed with representatives from both institutions to review progress, address implementation issues, and plan future activities.