Karakoram International University (KIU) said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Xinjiang Normal University (XJNU) in China to strengthen cooperation in higher education, research, and academic exchange.

The MoU was signed by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah on behalf of KIU and by Prof. Yonghui Wang, director of the Natural Geography, Science and Technology Division at Xinjiang Normal University, according to a Gwadar Pro's report on Friday.

Shah described the partnership as a major step toward “advancing academic excellence and fostering international collaboration.”
Under the MoU, the two universities will promote joint research initiatives on mountain hazards, climate change, and related scientific fields.

The agreement also covers student and faculty exchange programs, training, and other collaborative academic activities.

Dr. Shah said, “The partnership will create new opportunities for KIU faculty and students, help enhance the university’s research capacity, and further deepen longstanding educational and cultural ties between Pakistan and China.”

Senior academic officials from both institutions attended the ceremony, underscoring their shared commitment to ensuring meaningful implementation of the agreement for mutual academic growth.

KIU says it has expanded its engagement with Chinese higher-education institutions in recent years, including through regional cooperation and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

KIU says it has partnered with universities in Xinjiang and beyond on research relating to mountain ecology, glaciers, environmental change, and sustainable development in high-altitude regions.

These collaborations have supported faculty development, joint conferences, cultural exchange, and student learning opportunities, helping KIU strengthen its role as a key academic hub in Pakistan’s northern areas while deepening academic connectivity with Chinese institutions.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China