Landmark SMIIC–HCTRS/ICCBS Cooperation Agreement Signed in Tunis
Major Step Toward International Halal Standardization, Scientific Cooperation and Capacity Building
TUNIS, TUNISIA — 15 September 2026: In a significant development for the global halal sector, the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) and the Halal Certification, Testing and Research Services (HCTRS), International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Pakistan, have signed a landmark Cooperation Agreement during the OIC/SMIIC 15th Halal Standards Annual Meetings in Tunis.
The agreement was signed by Mr. İhsan ÖVÜT, Secretary General of SMIIC, on behalf of SMIIC, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director HCTRS/ICCBS, University of Karachi, with Dr. Musharraf and Dr. Mufti Arif Ali Shah representing HCTRS/ICCBS during the signing in Tunis.
Broad Framework for Halal and Technical Cooperation
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 include the exchange of standards, technical regulations and scientific information; cooperation in standards development and implementation; joint seminars, workshops and training programs; exchange of experts and technical expertise; and development of joint projects and activities of mutual interest.
This cooperation provides a platform for greater exchange of knowledge and technical expertise and supports efforts toward stronger and more harmonized halal standards and conformity-assessment practices.
Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah’s Internationalization Efforts
The agreement represents an important milestone in the international development of HCTRS/ICCBS and reflects the continued efforts of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director HCTRS/ICCBS, to strengthen international scientific and technical cooperation in halal testing, certification, research, conformity assessment and standardization.
The participation of Dr. Musharraf and Dr. Mufti Arif Ali Shah in the formal signing further reflects HCTRS/ICCBS’s active engagement in advancing international cooperation in the halal field.
Significance for Pakistan and the Global Halal Sector
The SMIIC–HCTRS/ICCBS 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.
The agreement therefore marks a significant institutional step toward strengthening international halal standards, credible conformity assessment, scientific collaboration and capacity building, while creating new opportunities for cooperation between institutions working to advance the global halal ecosystem.
The Tunis signing marks a new chapter in SMIIC–HCTRS/ICCBS cooperation and a significant step toward deeper international collaboration in halal science, standards, testing and conformity assessment.
