Karachi: The Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), headquartered in Trkiye, and the Halal Certification, Testing and Research Services (HCTRS) of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, have signed a Cooperation Agreement during the 15th annual meetings on Halal Standards of OIC/SMIIC in Tunis, Tunisia.
A spokesman for ICCBS, University of Karachi, said on Thursday that the agreement was signed by His Excellency Mr. Ihsan Ovut, Secretary General of SMIIC, on behalf of SMIIC, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director, HCTRS/ICCBS, University of Karachi. Prof. Dr. Syed Ghulam Musharraf and Dr. Mufti Arif Ali Shah represented HCTRS/ICCBS during the signing ceremony in Tunis.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation in halal standardization, conformity assessment, metrology, accreditation, quality, scientific research, halal certification, training and capacity building.
Key areas of cooperation include the exchange of standards, technical regulations and scientific information; cooperation in standards development and implementation; joint seminars, workshops and training programmes; exchange of experts and technical expertise; and development of joint projects and activities of mutual interest.
The agreement provides a platform for greater exchange of knowledge and technical expertise and supports efforts to develop stronger and more harmonized halal standards and conformity-assessment practices.
The agreement also marks an important milestone in the international development of HCTRS at ICCBS and reflects the continued efforts of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah and his team to strengthen international scientific and technical cooperation in halal testing, certification, research, conformity assessment and standardization.
The SMIIC-HCTRS agreement creates a structured avenue for joint scientific initiatives, technical cooperation, expert exchange, training and standards-related activities, linking Pakistan’s scientific and halal expertise with the wider OIC standardization framework.
It is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration among institutions working to advance halal science, standards, testing and conformity assessment.
The signing in Tunis marks a new chapter in SMIIC-HCTRS/ICCBS cooperation and provides a foundation for deeper international collaboration in halal science, standardization, testing and conformity assessment.