The Association of Pakistani Graduates from Russia & CIS concluded its Silver Jubilee celebrations with a declaration reaffirming its commitment to strengthening educational, scientific, cultural, and economic cooperation between Pakistan, Russia, and Central Asian states, 24NewsHD TV reported on Monday.
The declaration was issued during the concluding session of the Association’s 25th anniversary celebrations, chaired by Dr. Shahid Hasan.
The document was presented by the Association’s President, Prof Dr Ashraf Nizami, and was unanimously approved by participants.
The Association dedicated its Silver Jubilee celebrations to the heroes and martyrs of the former Soviet Union who fought during World War II.
In the declaration, the Association praised the contribution of more than 7,000 Pakistani graduates from Russian and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) universities who are serving in sectors including medicine, engineering, science, education, technology, diplomacy, and public administration in Pakistan.
The statement also highlighted the Association’s role over the past 25 years in promoting academic cooperation, alumni relations, cultural harmony, and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan, Russia, and CIS countries.
Participants stressed the importance of advancing higher education, research, innovation, and technological development, particularly in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and international scientific cooperation.
The declaration encouraged closer collaboration among universities, research institutions, industries, and cultural organizations in Pakistan, Russia, and Central Asia to promote knowledge exchange and professional development.
The Association also expressed support for promoting the Russian language and culture in Pakistan through seminars, exchange programmes, conferences, and joint academic projects.
The declaration reaffirmed support for peace, mutual respect, cultural tolerance, and international friendship through educational and cultural diplomacy. It also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and their struggle against Israeli actions in the region.
Participants further emphasized the importance of environmental protection, sustainable development, and climate responsibility, calling for greater awareness and cooperation for a greener future.
The Association requested Russian educational authorities to introduce fast-track facilities for alumni of Soviet and Russian universities visiting Russia for academic and professional development purposes.
Among those who attended the meeting were Mr. Buddhapriyarama Nayaka, President of the Association of Sri Lankan Graduates from Socialist Countries; Ms. Inara Turbayeva, Dean of the Foreign Affairs Department of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia; Boris Trakanov; Malik Shahbaz; Vice Chancellor of Leads University Dr. Nadeem Bhatti; Dr. Najam-ul-Sahar Butt; Babar; Amjad Hussain Rizvi; Nehal Zafar; Engineer Iftikhar Ali; Engineer Shahid Ali, Dr. Musaddiq Hussain; Tanveer Bhatta; Engineer Hasnain Mirza; Professor Sarfraz; Ms. Natalia; and Shahbaz Anwar Khan.
As the concluding part of the program, the distinguished guests visited the Russian Center for Science, Education, and Culture.
They observed Russian language classes and met Russian language teacher Ms. Natasha Natalia. Gifts were exchanged, and group photographs were taken.