ISLAMABAD, Aug 256 – The sent-off ceremony for 50 Pakistani scholars awarded the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship Program took place at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan on Friday (Aug 25).
Pang Chunxue, the Charge D’Affaires at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan, graced the occasion as the chief guest. During the event, she emphasized that the educational relationship, particularly the collaborative efforts in science and technology, pave the way forward and hold the potential to greatly benefit both nations.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of HEC, highlighted that the current count of Pakistani students in China exceeds 30,000. “Among them, some are recipients of Chinese government scholarships, while others have been directly awarded scholarships by various provinces and universities and even companies,” he added.
“Upon your departure, you won’t just be students; you will be ambassadors of Pakistan. And upon your return, you will serve as China’s ambassadors in Pakistan. Hence, you are shouldering dual responsibilities now,” he continued.
Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed briefing the scholars.
Mukhtar Ahmed assured the students that they would not only receive education but also gain insights into the successful practices that have propelled this Chinese nation’s transformation into a global powerhouse over the past 25 to 30 years.
Since 2019, the Chinese Government has been extending scholarships to aspiring Pakistani students, covering a wide spectrum of educational pursuits including undergraduate, masters, and PhD programs. Over the course of the last five years, a noteworthy total of 243 Pakistani students have successfully secured these prestigious scholarships. This initiative stands as a testament to the robust educational collaboration between China and Pakistan, providing valuable opportunities for Pakistani scholars to pursue higher education in various fields on an international platform.
The scholarship offerings encompass an extensive array of disciplines, ranging across science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, economics, legal studies, management, education, history, literature, philosophy, and fine arts. This comprehensive selection underscores the commitment of the Chinese Government to support Pakistani students in their pursuit of academic excellence across a diverse spectrum of fields.