Representing Pakistan at this high-level regional platform in China, Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Investment, Mr. Qaiser Ahmad Sheikh and Vice Chancellor University of Sargodha (UoS) Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, participated in the Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Cooperation held in Urumqi on 2nd December. 

The participation underscored Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening regional partnerships and expanding cooperation with Central Asian states, Gwadar Pro reported. The Tianshan Forum brought together policymakers, academics, investors, and development experts from across the region to deliberate on enhanced connectivity, economic linkages, innovation-led development, and broader regional integration.

Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in accelerating trade, investment, digital transformation, and infrastructure development, reaffirming the country’s strategic vision of deeper engagement with Central Asia. Representing Pakistan’s higher education sector, Prof.

Dr. Qaisar Abbas joined discussions on expanding educational cooperation, research partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges. He highlighted the pivotal role of universities in driving knowledge-based development, contributing to policy insights, and supporting long-term regional stability under the CAREC framework.

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