Tajikistan praises medical education linkages with Pakistan

KARACHI: Tajikistan’s First Deputy Minister of Education and Science, Hoshimzoda Homid Hasan, on Sunday lauded Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSM) for its pivotal role in strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Tajikistan in medical science and education, describing the sector as a cornerstone of people-to-people ties.
Speaking during a meeting with a visiting delegation of Pakistani journalists led by Dr. Muhammad Abbas Mahar, CEO of MBBS Abroad Private Consultancy Pvt Limited, the Deputy Minister said medical sciences and education were drawing the two nations closer through youth-led institutional integration. He underlined that collaboration in higher education and health was a shared vision of both governments, aimed at expanding cooperation in medical tourism, research, and academic exchange.
Hasan revealed that Pakistan and Tajikistan are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to facilitate student and faculty exchanges, a move expected to deepen academic linkages and foster joint research initiatives. He noted that such institutional cooperation would not only strengthen educational outcomes but also contribute to broader economic growth through knowledge-sharing and cross-border mobility.
Emphasizing the media’s role, the Deputy Minister said responsible reporting and sustained coverage were crucial to raising awareness about opportunities in medical education and tourism. He expressed confidence that the Pakistani journalists’ visit would mark a milestone in promoting mutual understanding and expanding cooperation in the health sector.
Highlighting Tajikistan’s growing profile as a regional education hub, Hasan said the country’s medical universities adhere to international standards and offer modern facilities, attracting students from neighboring countries. He added that the medical sector is also expanding advanced medical tourism services, including specialized surgeries and treatments, positioning Tajikistan as an emerging destination for quality and affordable healthcare.
Dr. Muhammad Abbas Mahar, addressing the gathering, said ATSM currently hosts around 450 Pakistani medical students, significantly advancing bilateral exchanges in medical education. “Tajikistan is poised to become a regional leader in medical education and health services, offering high-quality opportunities for international students,” he said, adding that Pakistani students were benefiting from modern curricula and clinical exposure.
Beyond clinical care, officials noted Tajikistan’s strong potential in wellness tourism. The country has approximately 45 sanatoriums and health resorts offering mineral baths, mud therapy, herbal treatments, and rehabilitation programs for respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal disorders, and general recovery-an area seen as ripe for collaboration with Pakistan’s health and travel sectors.
Both sides reiterated that top leadership in Pakistan and Tajikistan remains committed to fostering people-to-people contacts, viewing education and healthcare cooperation as essential to building durable and mutually beneficial bilateral relations.