Celebrating Partnership in Equality (PIE): UK–Pakistan Collaboration for Women in STEM

The Partnership in Equality (PIE) Award Ceremony was successfully held at the National University of Sciences & Technology (NUST), Islamabad, celebrating the achievements and impact of the PIE initiative in strengthening UK–Pakistan collaboration for women’s empowerment in STEM, particularly Robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

The ceremony brought together Vice Chancellors and senior representatives from seven partner universities, alongside distinguished representatives from the British Council. The event served as a platform to acknowledge collective efforts, share successes, and reinforce the shared commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion in higher education.

In a historic recognition, the PIE project was awarded the first-ever “Going Global Partnership Award” by the British Council UK, celebrating its outstanding success in fostering UK–Pakistan collaboration and empowering women in STEM

Distinguished Guests and Dignitaries

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Vice Chancellors from partner universities, whose participation highlighted the strategic importance of the PIE initiative at the leadership level. Representatives from the British Council also attended the event and appreciated the outcomes of the project, acknowledging its meaningful contribution to women’s capacity building and employability in Pakistan.

The event was jointly organized under the PIE framework and hosted by the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (SEECS), NUST. The Principal, SEECS, kindly graced the ceremony and extended a warm welcome to all guests and partners.

Chief Guest and Awards Distribution

The Pro-Rector Research, Innovation & Commercialisation (RIC), Dr Rizan Riaz, attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest. In his address, he commended the collaborative spirit of the partner institutions and emphasized the importance of international partnerships in driving inclusive innovation and sustainable impact.

Dr Rizan Riaz presented awards and shields to all partner universities in recognition of their valuable contributions to the successful implementation of the PIE project and their commitment to promoting women’s participation in STEM disciplines.

Acknowledgement of Leadership and Team Efforts

Special appreciation was extended to Dr Shadan Khan Khattak and Dr Farkhanda Afzal for their leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts in steering the PIE initiative towards success. The Vice Chancellors and British Council representatives particularly acknowledged the professionalism and commitment of the project leadership and the extended team involved in planning and execution.

The organizing team from SEECS was also commended for the seamless arrangements and effective coordination that ensured the smooth conduct of the ceremony.

Strengthening UK–Pakistan Partnerships

The PIE Award Ceremony marked an important milestone in the ongoing UK–Pakistan collaboration aimed at fostering equality, diversity, and inclusion in higher education. The initiative has empowered hundreds of female students and staff by providing access to training, mentorship, and opportunities in Robotics and AI, especially across women-only and underrepresented institutions.

The ceremony concluded with a renewed commitment from all partners to sustain and expand the impact of PIE, explore future collaborative opportunities, and continue working collectively towards a more inclusive STEM ecosystem.