ISLAMABAD, Oct 25 (APP):IE University of Spain has explored opportunities to strengthen educational cooperation between Pakistan and Spain, bringing together political leaders, diplomats, business executives and educationists at a gathering in Islamabad.
The event was attended by Spanish Ambassador to Pakistan Carlos Aragón Gil de la Serna as chief guest and attracted more than 100 participants, including former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Senator Talha Mahmood, parliamentarians, senior business representatives, journalists and education professionals.
Andrea Vélez, Director of Asia-Pacific (APAC) at IE University, and Venisse Garcia also attended the gathering, marking an important step in the university’s efforts to develop closer links with Pakistan’s educational institutions, prospective students and professional community.
Discussions focused on expanding access to international education, strengthening academic connections and creating opportunities for Pakistani students to pursue higher education in Spain.
The gathering also highlighted Spain as a potential destination for Pakistani students seeking internationally recognised qualifications, exposure to European markets and opportunities to develop professional networks. Living costs in Spain may be comparatively affordable in some cities, depending on accommodation and lifestyle.
IE University offers academic programmes in business administration, finance, economics, law, international relations, architecture and design, technology, data and computer science, and social sciences. Its postgraduate and executive education programmes also cater to professionals seeking to advance their careers.
With an international academic community and campuses in Madrid and Segovia, alongside international operations and engagement in other global centres, including New York and Riyadh, the university aims to prepare graduates for an increasingly interconnected world.
The Islamabad gathering brought together representatives from government, business, diplomacy, academia and civil society, reflecting interest in international educational opportunities and stronger links between Pakistani and European institutions.
Among the other prominent attendees were Anjum Aqeel Khan, Farah Naz Akbar, Badar Bilal and Pullain Baloch, members of the National Assembly, Chaudhry Asghar, Chairman of Aashiana Builders and Developers, and Air Vice Marshal Asif Aslam, Pro-Rector of NUTECH University. Senior executives associated with Orient Petroleum, Hashwani Hotels and Jazz also attended the event.
Azaan Jandad Asghar, an IE University alumnus and the university’s representative in Pakistan, has been supporting efforts to strengthen the institution’s engagement with local students, families, professionals and educational stakeholders.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness of international study opportunities and encourage closer engagement between Pakistani educational institutions and their Spanish counterparts.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to discuss further engagement in Pakistan, including the possibility of establishing a local office, which could help improve access to information about the university’s programmes and facilitate connections with prospective students.
The initiative aims to build lasting educational and professional links between Pakistan and Spain, enabling students to benefit from international learning experiences and contribute to stronger connections between the two countries.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
