The visit aimed to enhance educational
collaboration and strengthen ties between
China and Pakistan
Staff Reporter
Karachi: A high-profile Chinese delegation, led by the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, visited the University of Karachi (KU) on Friday. The delegation included the Acting Consul General in Karachi, Zhang Hao, along with other key officials from the Chinese embassy and consulate. The visit aimed to enhance educational collaboration and strengthen ties between China and Pakistan.
KU Vice Chancellor Highlights China-Pakistan Friendship
During the visit, KU Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, expressed pride in Pakistan’s enduring friendship with China. He emphasized China’s unwavering support for Pakistan on international platforms and expressed optimism that this visit would further solidify relations at both institutional and global levels.
Collaboration with Sichuan Normal University
Dr. Iraqi highlighted the strong connection between KU and Sichuan Normal University, noting its vital role in the success of the Confucius Institute (CI) at KU. He praised Chinese and Pakistani directors for their efforts in elevating the institute’s facilities and standards.
CPEC and Economic Development
The KU Vice Chancellor also discussed the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for Pakistan’s economic growth. He acknowledged the challenges Pakistan faces due to internal security issues but reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to the CPEC initiative. Dr. Iraqi emphasized that Pakistan’s leadership remains dedicated to advancing the project despite hurdles.
Chinese Ambassador Applauds KU’s Role in Education
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong lauded KU’s efforts in promoting education and its significant contribution to China-Pakistan relations. He emphasized the importance of education and talent cultivation, describing KU’s role as indispensable for Pakistan’s national development. The ambassador also praised Pakistan’s rapidly growing IT sector, highlighting the global recognition of Pakistani IT talent.
Enhancing China-Pakistan Educational Cooperation
Jiang Zaidong expressed China’s willingness to further support KU’s development, especially in areas like IT, AI, and agriculture. He mentioned plans to offer more scholarships to Pakistani students, particularly at KU, and underscored the significance of the Confucius Institute in fostering China-Pakistan cooperation.
Commitment to the Confucius Institute
The ambassador acknowledged the resilience of the Confucius Institute at KU, which continued its activities despite the tragic 2022 terrorist attack. He commended the efforts of the KU administration and faculty in maintaining the institute’s operations and highlighted the institute as a key platform for cultural and educational exchange between China and Pakistan.
Future Prospects for China-Pakistan Collaboration
Jiang Zaidong reiterated the importance of enhancing security to facilitate the return of Chinese faculty to Pakistan. He also discussed the significance of language as a bridge between civilizations, furthering the goals of the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping.
Conclusion
The visit concluded with a tour of the KU Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium and the Confucius Institute. The Pakistani Director of the Confucius Institute, Professor Dr. Muhammad Nasiruddin Khan, expressed gratitude for the delegation’s visit, describing it as a source of encouragement and motivation. He shared details about the institute’s programs and ongoing efforts to promote Chinese language and culture in Pakistan.
This visit marks another step toward deepening the China-Pakistan partnership, particularly in the fields of education and cultural exchange, while reinforcing the shared vision of long-term strategic cooperation.
