In a continuing effort to promote mutual understanding, the Department of Anthropology,  Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) and the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 23rd October 2024. LMU, one of Europe’s premier research universities, was founded in 1472 and has consistently upheld the highest international standards of excellence in both teaching and research.

The MoU was signed in the office of the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (DFSS) at QAU. Prof. Dr. Martin Sökefeld, Head of the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology (LMU); Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; and Dr. Inam Ullah Leghari, Chairperson of the Department of Anthropology, signed the document. The event was facilitated by Dr. Salma Malik, Director of External Linkages, and was attended by faculty members from the Department of Anthropology.

The MoU aims to facilitate the exchange of students and academic staff, enriching the academic landscape by introducing diverse perspectives and fostering mutual understanding in anthropological research. It focuses on advancing collaborative efforts to promote professional growth and ensure quality education while upholding principles of equality and mutual benefit. The agreement seeks to enhance and expand cooperation in the fields of society and culture.

Established in 1974, the Department of Anthropology at QAU is the pioneering department for anthropological studies in Pakistan. This collaboration will open new avenues for academic and research cooperation between the students and faculty of both universities. Through joint initiatives, both institutions will benefit from shared knowledge, diverse perspectives, and innovative approaches to anthropological research. This partnership will create opportunities for academic exchanges between students and faculty, encouraging cross-cultural dialogue and fostering deeper academic connections. In addition to supporting collaborative research projects and academic exchanges, the MoU will also facilitate cultural linkages and the exchange of academic scholars.