In a move to strengthen educational and cultural cooperation, China’s Consul General Zhao Shiren announced scholarships worth Rs1 million for students of Government College Women University Sialkot (GCWUS) during his visit to the campus.
The visit also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Consulate General of China and GCWUS, paving the way for enhanced collaboration in education, research, and cultural exchange programs.
Speaking at the event, Zhao reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and fostering youth development through sustained cooperation. He expressed China’s willingness to support the establishment of a Chinese Language Centre at the university and announced the donation of Chinese language books to help students learn the language.
He praised Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Shazia Bashir and the university’s administration for their efforts in advancing education and promoting people-to-people linkages between Pakistan and China.
A vibrant celebration of Pak–China friendship was also held, featuring art, poetry, and cultural performances organised by the Fine Arts Department and the Directorate of Student Affairs. Students’ creativity and enthusiasm, Zhao said, reflected the deep-rooted friendship and shared vision between the two nations.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Shazia Bashir thanked the Consul General for the scholarships and expressed her commitment to long-term cooperation in education and research. She proposed the establishment of a Confucius Institute at GCWUS to promote linguistic and cultural understanding, describing Sialkot as the “City of Iqbal”, a symbol of Pakistan’s intellectual and cultural strength.
The ceremony concluded with tributes to Allama Iqbal and artistic performances symbolising China–Pakistan friendship, reaffirming mutual respect and collaboration in education and culture.
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