The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) is strengthening its academic and research ties with China following a visit by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran.
He visited China to attend the 120th anniversary celebrations of Sichuan Agricultural University (SAU) and explore opportunities for further collaboration in education, research and technology.
The visit received coverage from China Economic Net, the Associated Press of Pakistan and the Daily Independent. Dr. Malik Adnan, chairman of IUB’s Department of Media and Communication Studies, helped facilitate the media coverage.
IUB and Sichuan Agricultural University Renew Partnership
A key outcome of the visit was the extension of the memorandum of understanding between IUB and SAU for another five years.
The renewed agreement supports cooperation in agricultural research, food security, student development and technological innovation.
The partnership has already contributed to joint research and educational opportunities, creating stronger links between Pakistani and Chinese academic institutions.
Joint Research Advances Agricultural Productivity
Researchers at IUB’s National Research Center of Intercropping (NRCI), led by Director Dr. Muhammad Ali Raza, have adapted Chinese strip-intercropping technology to Pakistan’s agricultural conditions.
According to IUB, the technology has been applied across more than 12,000 hectares of farmland. The research aims to help farmers improve crop yields and agricultural productivity.
The collaboration demonstrates how knowledge exchange between the two countries can support agricultural development and food security.
Scholarships Expand Educational Opportunities
The IUB-SAU partnership has also provided 56 fully funded scholarships for IUB students to pursue academic opportunities at Sichuan Agricultural University.
These scholarships support student development while expanding educational and research links between Pakistan and China.
IUB has also become the only Pakistani institution represented on the Standing Council of the Food Security Education and Technology Innovation Alliance. This position strengthens the university’s engagement in international initiatives focused on food security, education and agricultural innovation.
IUB Explores China’s Digital Infrastructure Model
During the visit, Prof. Dr. Kamran spoke to China Economic Net about China’s clean-energy-powered “East Data, West Computing” model in Ulanqab and its relevance to developing regions such as Bahawalpur.
He emphasized that digital infrastructure alone cannot ensure sustainable technological development. Strong local research capabilities, skilled professionals and domestic technological expertise are also essential.
Kamran highlighted IUB’s efforts to develop these capabilities through its Artificial Intelligence Research and Advancement Lab, the integration of AI across academic disciplines and a specialized Quantum Computing programme launched in 2026.
Building Long-Term China-Pakistan Research Ties
The visit reflects IUB’s efforts to expand international engagement and establish long-term partnerships with Chinese institutions.
The renewed agreement with SAU is expected to create further opportunities for joint research, scholarships, technological innovation and knowledge exchange.
These initiatives can help connect academic research with practical challenges in agriculture, food security and emerging technologies.
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