ISLAMABAD
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, in collaboration with the China Media Group (CMG), organised a China-Pakistan Youth Forum titled “Echo: Youth in Action” as part of activities commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.
The objective of the forum was to provide a platform for meaningful engagement among Pakistani youth, academics, students and other relevant stakeholders.
The programme encompassed screening of CMG’s documentary named Echo, sharing experience of Pakistani alumni in Chinese universities, and a discussion on youth and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Pakistan-China relations transcended geographical boundaries and withstood the test of changing times and global circumstances. She said the friendship between the two countries is not merely a slogan but a relationship built on equality, mutual trust, non-interference, peace and dignity.
“No country can rise without the quality of education,” she underlined, stressing the need to equip young people not merely with degrees but with skills, discipline, confidence and opportunities to become productive professionals, leaders and creators of opportunities.
The Minister emphasised that the future of Pakistan-China relations could not be safeguarded by governments alone, but would also depend on the youth, scholars, researchers and professionals of the two countries. She urged the younger generation not to inherit this relationship passively but to understand it, enrich it with sincerity and carry it forward with courage and commitment.
In his remarks, Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Akhtar highlighted the vast potential for expanding collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese higher education institutions. He said Pakistani universities have signed agreements with a number of Chinese universities under the CPEC Consortium of Universities to promote academic and research cooperation.
He said HEC is committed to translating such arrangements into practical and effective collaborations. Highlighting the potential of Pakistani youth, he encouraged students to explore opportunities for higher education in Chinese universities and benefit from exposure to the latest technologies.
He emphasised that there should be no boundaries between Pakistan and China in the fields of education and knowledge. Referring to the 75 years of cordial relations, he said the friendship is strengthened by mutual love and respect.
On this occasion, highlighted the significance of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, describing the partnership as one rooted in shared history, mutual trust and strong people-to-people connectivity.
She described education as an ultimate bridge between nations and said Pakistani students studying in Chinese universities are contributing to stronger people-to-people relations and mutual understanding. She said student exchange programmes, complemented by joint research projects in various fields, are creating opportunities for youth and academics to learn from one another and co-create solutions to shared challenges.
Cultural Counsellor Mr. Cheng Peng said Pakistan and China share a special friendship built on deep bonds between their people. He expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship will continue to grow and lead towards a brighter future for both nations.
He said the young generation represent the future of Pakistan-China friendship. He encouraged Pakistani youth to develop a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, including through learning the Chinese language. He urged them to contribute towards greater cultural understanding, friendship and world peace.
In his welcome remarks earlier, Mr. Tasawwur Zaman Babar, a renowned media person associated with CMG, termed the China-Pakistan relations as unprecedented and stressed the importance of education as the pathway to further build the relations.
He highlighted the quality and environment of Chinese universities, urging the need to grow opportunities for Pakistani student to experience China.
Executive Director Centre of Excellence CPEC (PIDE), Dr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director Pakistan Research Centre for Community with Shared Future, and alumni form Pakistan and China also expressed their views.
They emphasised the need for continuous deliberate efforts to pass on the opportunities offered by the bilateral relations.
They underlined the significance of investment in education to bring people of the two countries further closer. They underscored the importance of youth, education, academic exchanges, cultural interaction and people-to-people connectivity in carrying forward the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China.
The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to further strengthening cooperation and creating greater opportunities for the youth of the two countries to learn, collaborate and contribute to a shared future.=DNA
