Pakistan and Cambridge University Launch “Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship” to Promote Cultural and Academic Ties

Pakistan and Cambridge University Launch “Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship” to Promote Cultural and Academic Ties

The Ministry of Education and Professional Training of Pakistan and the University of Cambridge have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the prestigious “Allama Iqbal Visiting Fellowship”, aiming to deepen educational and cultural cooperation.

The MoU was formally signed at a ceremony in Cambridge by Dr. Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and Professor Shailaja Fennel from Cambridge’s Centre for South Asian Studies.

Senior Academic Officials Join Ceremony

The signing event was attended by top academic figures including Professor Kamal Munir, Pro Vice Chancellor of Cambridge University, and Professor Jude Browne, Head of the Department of Politics, alongside senior officials from the Pakistan High Commission in London.

Honoring Allama Iqbal’s Legacy

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Faisal highlighted Allama Iqbal’s lasting impact on Pakistan’s intellectual, literary, and political foundations.

“Allama Iqbal’s philosophy and poetry inspired the movement for Pakistan’s creation. This fellowship celebrates his legacy as the ideological architect of the nation,” said the High Commissioner.

Fellowship to Promote Cultural and Academic Exchange

Under this fellowship program, the Government of Pakistan will nominate leading academics, with one fellow selected annually by the University of Cambridge’s Centre for South Asian Studies.

The selected scholar will:

• Conduct lectures and engage with students on Pakistan’s history, literature, and society
• Promote Urdu language, Pakistani literature, and Pakistan Studies
• Highlight Pakistan’s regional culture, politics, and intellectual heritage

This initiative is expected to enhance mutual academic understanding and contribute to stronger educational ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.

Strengthening International Partnerships

Dr. Faisal noted that the fellowship marks a “significant milestone” in showcasing Pakistan’s rich heritage on an international platform.

“This partnership will play a vital role in deepening people-to-people connections and intellectual collaboration,” he added.