China-Pakistan relationship has proven to be time-tested and unbreakable, and has grown stronger with each passing year. In recent years, bilateral cooperation between China and Pakistan has increased many-fold in all fields, especially in the areas of science, technology, economy and education. This was stated by Prof.

Akram Muhammad Shaikh, Director General of Pakistan Scientific and Technological Information Centre (PASTIC), at the online launch of a book on China-Pakistan friendship, according to a report published by Gwadar Pro on Friday.

Titled ‘In Quest of Knowledge’, the book is a compilation of the stories of 20 Pakistani scholars during their student days in China.

Speaking at the launch, the professor also highlighted that around 274 Chinese universities offer scholarships to international students each year, as reported by the China Scholarship Council. 

Currently, almost 28,000 Pakistani students are enrolled in several Chinese universities, benefiting from the world-class arts, intellectual and academic facilities. 

The rise in the number of students from Pakistan is mainly due to a series of policies introduced by the Chinese government.

The event was organised by the Pakistan Study Center at Beijing Technology and Business University (BTBU), in collaboration with the ECO Science Foundation. 

Chairing the session, BTBU Executive Director Dr Di Yuna, who is also the co-editor of the book, briefed that Pakistani students in China are important emissaries of Sino-Pak friendship and play an important role in Sino-Pak cooperation.

“To enhance mutual understanding between the youth of China and Pakistan, we have jointly published this book together with the National Nanoscience Center of Chinese Academy of Sciences (NCNST) and  PASTIC. 

We will also present the books to relevant institutions to enhance mutual understanding,” added Di.

Dr. Kamran Amin, Postdoc of the China Academy of Sciences (CAS), who is the initiator, mentioned that college for some of the students profiled in this book was a time of intense learning, personal growth and self-discovery, where they faced and overcame challenges and forged lasting connections and friendships. 

He explained, “through their reflections, we get a glimpse into their experiences, their hopes, their dreams and their plans for the future. Their tenacity, ambition and dedication to learning inspire us. It is hoped that the book will serve as a source of information to inspire and guide more Pakistani students who want to study in China.”

In a foreword to the book, H.E. Moin ul Haque, Pakistani Ambassador to China, wrote that the Pakistani alumni of Chinese universities are serving at important positions in reputed multinational companies in China and worldwide. 

A significant number of such students are also engaged in many Chinese companies working on CPEC/BRI projects in Pakistan and thus serving as the true ambassadors of Pakistan-China friendship.

The Ambassador is hopeful that ‘In Quest of Knowledge’ would become an inspiration for many more similar endeavours and become a source of guidance for young Pakistanis who wish to embark on the journey of knowledge and wisdom in China.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP