COMSTECH

05/12/2025

OIC-COMSTECH and Embassy of Thailand jointy host International Symposium on “Halal Science and Wellness”

(Islamabad, December 5) 2025)

The OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) and Embassy of Thailand hosted the International Symposium on “Halal Science and Wellness” at its Secretariat in Islamabad. The event brought together distinguished international experts, senior officials, diplomats, and representatives from scientific and regulatory bodies across the Muslim world.

The session opened with welcome remarks by H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, who warmly welcomed the participants and highlighted the rapidly growing global importance of the Halal industry, now valued at over USD 1.3 trillion. He underscored the significance of harmonized Halal standards, scientific testing, and capacity building to strengthen consumer confidence and expand global trade opportunities over growing collaboration with Thailand.

H.E. Mr. Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Royal Thai Embassy, graced the event as Chief Guest. He congratulated COMSTECH for its leadership in organizing a symposium on such a timely and critical topic. Highlighting opportunities for future cooperation, he emphasized that scientific advancements and emerging technologies, such as molecular analysis, contamination detection, blockchain traceability, and AI-enabled risk assessment, can greatly enhance the integrity of halal products and make certification more efficient.

Speaking as guest of honour, H.E. Prof. Ihsan Ovut, Secretary General of SMIIC, emphasized the need for harmonized Halal standards developed under the guidance of experienced experts to ensure global uniformity and credibility.

The symposium witnessed effective participation from over 30 international delegates representing Iran, Somalia, Palestine, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, Bangladesh, Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal, alongside a significant number of experts from Pakistan.

In his address, Prof. Choudhary highlighted the pivotal role of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) in developing and harmonizing Halal standards across OIC member states. He shared that COMSTECH and SMIIC have jointly conducted five regional training programs in Uzbekistan, Uganda, Bangladesh, Morocco, and Pakistan, training over 300 laboratory professionals in Halal product standards and testing.

Prof. Choudhary also shared that major project supported by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB): the establishment of a Halal Authentication Laboratory at the Islamic University in Uganda (IUIU). The facility is expected to become operational early next year and will serve several East African OIC member states. He also announced new scholarship programs for training in Halal Science.

Distinguished speakers included Prof. Dr. Pornpimol Mahamad, Director, Halal Science Centre, Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), and Mr. Akhtar A. Bughio, Director General, Pakistan Halal Authority (PHA).

On this occasion, an MoU was signed between OIC-COMSTECH and the Halal Science Centre, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, aimed at strengthening collaboration in research, capacity building, and Halal science development.

The inaugural session concluded with a group photo, followed by technical presentations and discussions on Halal standards, testing methodologies, and emerging trends in the global halal market.

Issued by:
Shabbir Hussain
PRO-COMSTECH
0304-8178283

05/12/2025

The Federal Secretary for Ministry Science and Technology, Government of Pakistan, Mr. Shahid Iqbal Baloch paid a visit to the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat Islamabad. He was warmly welcomed by Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH.

During the visit, the secretary was briefed on COMSTECH’s wide range of ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening science, technology, and innovation across the Muslim world. He appreciated COMSTECH’s valuable contributions and expressed keen interest in further collaboration.

He also invited OIC-COMSTECH to support the enhancement of Pakistan’s R&D institutions. The discussion further included preparations for hosting the 16th session of the COMSTECH General Assembly in Islamabad.

A productive and forward-looking engagement toward advancing STI development in Pakistan and the OIC member states.

Officials from two sides also participated in the meeting.

of science and technology Pakistan

05/12/2025

چھٹی ریکٹرز کانفرنس، 170 سے زائد وائس چانسلرز ،40 غیرملکی مندوبین کی شرکت

اسلام آباد او آئی سی کامسٹیک سیکرٹریٹ میں...

04/12/2025

H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary، Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH is speaking in the welcome dinner of 6th Rectors Forum 2025

04/12/2025

H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General OIC- COMSTECH, attended the reception of the National Day of Thailand.

He conveyed warm greetings to the Ambassador of Thailand to Pakistan, H.E. Rongvudhi Virabutr, and appreciated the longstanding friendship between Thailand and the OIC community and mutual cooperation between Thailand and OIC- COMSTECH

During the event, Prof. Dr. Choudhary met with ambassadors, representatives from various countries, and distinguished guests, exchanging views on opportunities for greater cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.

COMSTECH looks forward to building stronger partnerships and working together more closely with its Member and Observer States

04/12/2025

Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary Highlights Governance & Leadership Reforms at 6th Rectors’ Conference

At the opening day of the 6th Rectors’ Conference held at OIC-COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General COMSTECH, delivered an impactful address focusing on strengthening higher education across the Muslim world.

Prof. Choudhary emphasized the need for character-driven and integrity-based academic leadership, noting the insights shared in the conference’s keynote and international sessions. He highlighted that with 57 OIC member states and 5 observer states, the Muslim world holds immense talent but must urgently reduce scientific disparities through leadership development, governance reforms, and increased research investment.

He further stressed Pakistan’s opportunity to lead in emerging technologies, scientific diplomacy, and regional collaboration, acknowledging the vital role of universities and rectors participating in the conference.

Prof. Choudhary also presented key recommendations, calling for, Transparent and decentralized governance systems, Strengthened academic integrity, Expanded international partnerships within OIC countries,Modernized curricula aligned with global needs، Enhanced youth innovation in partnership with the PM Youth Programme، Stronger collaboration among APSUP, government bodies, COMSTECH, and global partners

He assured full support from OIC-COMSTECH for implementing these recommendations through technical assistance, capacity-building programs, and long-term institutional cooperation.

Prof. Choudhary concluded by urging collective action among universities, policymakers, and scientific organizations to build a more innovative, globally connected, and future-ready higher education ecosystem.

04/12/2025

The OIC-COMSTECH, in collaboration with the Barani Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) Chakwal and the Lok Sanjh Foundation, on Tuesday marked OIC Food Security Day by organising a practical training workshop aimed at promoting climate-resilient farming practices among local communities, particularly women farmers.

According to organisers, the programme sought to strengthen knowledge transfer on agronomic techniques suited to changing climatic conditions. The event brought together farmers, agricultural experts and community representatives for what was described as an exercise in experiential learning and collaborative problem-solving.

A key component of the initiative was the distribution of 500 certified citrus plants to women farmers and schoolchildren. Officials said the intervention was designed both to address nutritional deficiencies and to support livelihood diversification in rural households.

Speakers at the event underlined the critical role of women in local food systems, noting that persistent barriers related to land ownership, access to finance and limited educational opportunities continue to constrain their full participation in the agricultural sector. They also emphasised the importance of engaging youth in farming, citing their potential to introduce innovation and advance environmentally sustainable practices.

The workshop included training modules on post-flood soil rehabilitation, organic farming methods and techniques to reduce reliance on synthetic agrochemicals. Organisers said the sessions were intended to equip participants with practical skills that could help improve farm productivity while safeguarding environmental health.

04/12/2025

6th Rectors’ Conference Kicks Off at the OIC- COMSTECH

Happening today on at OIC-COMSTECH.

the conference brings together more than 150 Vice Chancellors, including 40 Rectors/VCs and senior officials from 40 universities across OIC member and observer states.
This year’s theme — “Shaping the Future: Governance, Leadership & Reforms in Higher Education” reflects a strong collective commitment to strengthening academic excellence, innovation, and collaboration across the Muslim world.

Organized by COMSTECH in collaboration with APSUP (Association of Private Sector Universities of Pakistan), the conference marks a significant step forward in uniting higher education leaders to address emerging global challenges and drive impactful reforms.
Universities, policymakers, and thought leaders are coming together to envision a future where higher education thrives through shared knowledge, strong governance, and collective effort.
📚 A powerful gathering. A shared vision. A transformative future.

01/12/2025

Coordinator General OIC-COMSTECH, H.E. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, chaired a meeting of COMSTECH National Focal Points from five OIC Member States: Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, and Senegal earlier today.

The purpose of the meeting and orientation visit was to strengthen cooperation between COMSTECH and its Member States by familiarizing the newly designated National Focal Points with COMSTECH’s mandate, programmes, and initiatives. The engagement aimed to enhance mechanisms that support scientific and technological collaboration across the OIC, with a particular focus on Africa.

During the meeting, Prof. Iqbal Choudhary highlighted the importance of building strong linkages between the COMSTECH Secretariat and participating Member States to advance the collective interests of the Muslim Ummah. He encouraged delegates to actively utilize the National Focal Points platform to communicate national needs, guide the Secretariat on priorities, and propose opportunities for collaboration using appropriate institutional mechanisms.

COMSTECH officials delivered detailed presentations covering the organization’s mandate, major programmes, capacity-building initiatives, awards, scholarships, fellowships, and collaborative platforms offered across OIC Member and Observer States—particularly those in Africa. These presentations highlighted key thematic areas, ongoing projects, opportunities for scientific cooperation, and mechanisms such as the Reverse Linkage platform for developing joint proposals with partners including the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

The meeting concluded with an interactive exchange session, during which delegates discussed cooperation opportunities and ways to further strengthen COMSTECH’s engagement with their respective countries.

01/12/2025

Today marks the successful commencement of the specialized CAD/CAM & CNC Operation Training Program at NUTECH, Islamabad, under the strategic partnership of OIC-COMSTECH, the Embassy of Sudan, and NUTECH. The inaugural session welcomed the 20 Sudanese engineers, launching a transformative initiative designed to equip them with advanced, industry-critical skills in modern design and manufacturing technologies. This program stands as a vital pillar of COMSTECH's mandate to foster scientific capacity and international cooperation within the OIC member states, strengthening the bonds of knowledge and innovation between Pakistan and Sudan.