The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will encourage Pakistani researchers to provide technical assistance to partner countries, especially from the Islamic world. This was stated by HEC Chairman Dr Tariq Banuri during a meeting with International Islamic University President Dr Ahmed Yousaf Ahmed al Draiweesh and IIU Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai who called on him at the Commission Secretariat. IIU President Dr Ahmed Yousaf al-Draiweesh appreciated the HEC’s role in guiding universities and encouraging them to produce research relevant to the country’s needs as well as the needs of the Muslims. As the Acting Coordinator General, COMSTECH (OIC Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation), Dr Tariq Banuri shared his vision to bring the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member countries together to mobilise mutual technical assistance and address the issues of climate change, energy, water scarcity, agriculture and disaster management and other problems requiring scientific solutions. Felicitating the chairman on the start of Hijri Year 1439, Dr Ahmed Yousaf al-Draiweesh and Dr Masoom Yasinzai said that the IIU plans to organise a conference to promote sectarian harmony and peaceful coexistence in line with Paigham-e-Pakistan, a verdict signed by 1,800 scholars from various schools of thought. They said eminent religious scholars from various sects will be invited to reflect and share their views in the light of the holy Quran and sunnah. Tariq Banuri appreciated IIU’s efforts to promote sectarian harmony. He said the HEC fully supports the objectives of Paigham-e-Pakistan and especially the endeavours to mobilise Pakistani youth, faculty and civil institutions behind a national consensus agenda. Published in Daily Times, September 13th 2018.