OIC-COMSTECH Delegation from Palestine and Somalia Visits COMSATS University Islamabad

COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) hosted a high-level delegation of OIC-COMSTECH National Focal Points from Palestine and Somalia, accompanied by officials from OIC-COMSTECH, on June 10, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen academic, scientific, and technological cooperation among OIC member states.

The visiting delegation included H.E. Ms. Huda Sadi Fandi Alwahidi, Deputy Minister of Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Palestine, and Mr. Zakarie Sheikh Ismail, Digital Infrastructure Specialist, Ministry of Communication and Technology, Federal Republic of Somalia. The delegation was accompanied by Dr. Murtaza Noor, Director COMSTECH and other representatives of OIC-COMSTECH, namely Mr. Omar Jallow, Senior Technical Manager, and Ms. Gul Rukh, Programme Officer, reflecting COMSTECH's continued efforts to promote academic and technological cooperation among OIC member states.

Upon arrival at CUI, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Muniba Nasir, Head, International Office. The delegates were subsequently given a tour of the campus and key facilities, providing an overview of the University's academic and research environment.

During the visit, the delegation called on Prof. Dr. Raheel Qamar, Rector, COMSATS University Islamabad. The interaction provided an opportunity to discuss areas of mutual interest and explore avenues for collaboration in higher education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

A formal meeting with the visiting delegation was later held in the Rector's Conference Room and chaired by Prof. Dr. Sohail Asghar, Campus In-charge, COMSATS University Islamabad. The meeting was attended by senior university officials, including Ms. Muniba Nasir, Head International Office; Dr. Bilal Zaka, In-charge Virtual Campus; and Mr. Kamran Butt, In-charge CU Online.

During the meeting, Ms. Muniba Nasir delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the remarkable growth and development of COMSATS University Islamabad. The discussions focused on several areas of potential collaboration. H.E. Ms. Huda Sadi Fandi Alwahidi sought guidance on developing a customized startup ecosystem to support innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives in Palestine. She also expressed particular interest in online capacity-building programs in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and Cyber Security. In response, Prof. Dr. Sohail Asghar welcomed the proposal and invited the Palestinian and Somalian side to share detailed proposals and requirements for further consideration by the International Office, CUI for possible future subject experts meeting.

The Somali delegation highlighted the need for faculty capacity building in curriculum development and Outcome-Based Education (OBE). Mr. Zakarie Sheikh Ismail expressed interest in online training programs for Somali faculty members on curriculum development and the implementation of OBE frameworks. The delegation also sought access to digital academic resources and learning platforms. Prof. Dr. Sohail Asghar informed the delegation that coordination with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan and COMSTECH could facilitate access to relevant digital resources and support mechanisms.

The meeting concluded with both sides expressing keen interest in developing institutional linkages and promoting knowledge exchange for the mutual benefit of their respective countries and institutions.

The visit reflects COMSATS University Islamabad's continued commitment to internationalization and its active engagement with partners across the Muslim world to advance academic excellence, innovation, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable development.