ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan organized a farewell ceremony for Pakistani students who received scholarships to study in Chinese universities under the Chinese government’s scholarship program.
According to the details, the scholarship program was launched in 2019 for Pakistani students to study in 289 designated Chinese universities. So far, 193 Pakistani students have been awarded scholarships under this program, including 40 in 2019, 58 in 2020, 59 in 2021 and 36 this year.
Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed and Ambassador of China to Pakistan Mr. Nong Rong attended the event, along with Executive Director (HEC) Dr. Shaista Sohail, Advisor Global Engagement (HEC) Mr. Owais Ahmed, Director General (HEC) attended. Scholarships) Ms. Ayesha Ikram, and HEC and Embassy officials were also present.
Addressing the event, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that Pakistan and China have long-standing friendly relations and a long history of cooperation between them. He said that Pakistan acknowledges China’s help in every trying time.
Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad emphasized that HEC is 20 years old and has worked with Chinese institutions on various collaborative programs over the past two decades.
He announced that HEC will launch a one-window operation in collaboration with Chinese partners and establish a web portal for all Chinese scholarship opportunities available to Pakistani students, enabling the youth of the country to access more of them. Get more benefit.
Advising the scholarship recipients, he said that they should respect the Chinese culture and play the role of Pakistan’s ambassador in China and that the students who return to Pakistan after completing their studies in China will create a bond between the people of the two countries. A bridge will be built.
Ambassador Mr. Nong Rong expressed his pleasure to personally interact with Pakistani students from different parts of Pakistan. Addressing the awardees, he said, “The scholarship award is a reward for your hard work and the support of your parents.”
He said that education changes lives, opens new opportunities and builds stronger societies. Education is the path to socio-economic development of a nation. He observed that universities not only provide academic experience but also pave the way for personal development.
He praised HEC for making the scholarship program a success and advised the students to make the most of the scholarship opportunities. He hoped that exchange and cooperation activities between higher education institutions would be fruitful.
The Chinese ambassador further said that these activities will further enhance mutual understanding and help improve the level of joint work. He also mentioned the problems faced by Pakistani students affected by the Corona restrictions and assured that China is closely monitoring the situation. He confirmed that these students will soon return to their institutions in China.
Describing Pakistan and China as long-standing partners, he said that China is aware of the disaster caused by floods in Pakistan and is trying its best to provide assistance to Pakistan through donations and fund-raising activities. He said that China provided 400 million RMB and 25,000 tents for flood-affected areas, in addition to 100 million RMB provided by the Chinese military. He also mentioned the flood relief activities of China
Executive Director HEC briefed about the background of the Chinese Government Scholarship Program for Pakistani Students. He hoped that the program would not only strengthen people-to-people ties but also strengthen government-to-government cooperation.
Earlier, Director General Ms. Ayesha Ikram welcomed the Chinese guests and students. Former student Tariq Mehmood and scholarship awardee Asfandyar Amjad also expressed their views on this occasion. Apart from the scholarship recipients, many Pakistani alumni of Chinese universities also participated in the event.
