PAKISTAN'S Minister for Education has met with Glasgow City Council Leader Gordon Matheson.

As part of the Knowledge Park project, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan met Mr Matheson and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to discuss cultural and educational links.

Mr Khan is hoping to find backing for the newly launched Lahore Knowledge Park in the Province of Punjab.

The 852 acre site, which aims to attract world-wide educational institutions as well as IT companies.

The education minister is looking to call on the links between Glasgow and Lahore, which are twin cities.

He also met with Anas Sarwar, Deputy Leader of the Scottish Labour Party; Sir Jim MacDonald, Vice Chancellor of the Strathclyde University, and representatives of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, and Universities Scotland.

Mr Khan said: "I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce Lahore Knowledge Park to its twin city of Glasgow.

"The project is envisaged as a key driver for economic improvement, and for making the Punjab a South Asian centre for connectivity to the global knowledge economy.

"I, therefore, invite and welcome our friends in Scotland to assist us and benefit from this win-win proposition for a sustainable and lasting relationship."

Yesterday Mr Khan began his day on the South Side before travelling to the City Chambers and touring Strathclyde University.

Mr Matheson added: "I'm delighted to welcome the Education Minister to Glasgow and I'm sure that we will have a very interesting conversation about our education systems.

"Just next month a delegation of teachers from Glasgow will be visiting Pakistan."