Sindh Minister for Education & Mines Syed Sardar Ali Shah and Kyrgyzstan’s Minister for Education & Science Dogdorkul Kendirbaeva have reached an understanding to establish a coordination mechanism that will facilitate students from Sindh in pursuing medical and nursing education in Kyrgyzstan. The agreement aims to address Sindh’s shortage of medical professionals and foster stronger educational ties between the two regions.
The meeting, held in Karachi, included key officials from both sides, such as Special Secretary for School Education Junaid Shah and Secretary for Universities and Boards Sindh Abbas Baloch. The Kyrgyz delegation featured experts like A.K. Dzhumabekova from the Department of International Cooperation and Aga Khan Foundation Kyrgyzstan CEO Davlatsulton Dorgabekova.
Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah highlighted the historical ties between Sindh and Central Asia, particularly the influence of Central Asian personalities in promoting Sufism in the region. He praised Kyrgyzstan’s efforts in creating educational opportunities for Pakistani students, specifically in medical fields, and acknowledged their commitment to ensuring student safety.
Addressing Sindh’s pressing healthcare needs, Shah pointed out the region’s shortage of doctors and nurses, emphasizing that Kyrgyzstan’s affordable medical education is a valuable solution. He noted that of the 8,000 Pakistani students currently studying in Kyrgyzstan, 300 are from Sindh, and he expressed the intention to increase this number. He also proposed that Kyrgyzstan offer scholarships specifically for Sindh students. Minister Kendirbaeva expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s culture and hospitality, reaffirming Kyrgyzstan’s dedication to providing a safe and supportive environment for international students. She highlighted that Kyrgyzstan’s focus on affordability and quality in medical education makes it an attractive destination for aspiring medical professionals.
Kendirbaeva proposed mutual consultations to finalize scholarship opportunities for Sindh students and suggested appointing focal persons to enhance coordination. She emphasized that the partnership between the two countries has the potential to deepen ties across education, culture, and tourism. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to work closely on implementing measures to strengthen educational collaboration and increase the number of Sindh students pursuing higher education in Kyrgyzstan.
