The exemplary Pak-China bilateral relations spanning over seven decades have further strengthened after the CPEC project was launched. The smooth construction of the project has connected the two friendly countries more than even before. With mutual understanding, the large scale connectivity through the corridor is not only shaping shared destiny of the two countries but it is also creating “win win situation” to reap the yield of the project. 

Therefore, this year, both the countries have decided to celebrate the establishment of the deep-rooted historic ties throughout the year through more than 100 events consisted of cultural activities, photography exhibitions, fashion shows, publication of books and people-to-people exchange programs. 

In the field of higher education, the friendly neighboring country has been producing a large of number of research scholars and professionals in almost all disciplines from medical to engineering, social sciences to humanities, management sciences to applied sciences and technology to Chinese language courses. Sharing their experiences, a large number of Pakistani students have said that the world ranking universities of China facilitate students to harness their skills and learning. 

Talking to media, Director Pakistan Institute of China Studies, University of Sargodha, Dr Fazlur Rahman said that after initiating work on CPEC, the two countries have expanded the canvas of bilateral relations from economic to political, strategic to cultural and trade to education that urged the two sides to strengthen people-to-people connectivity through cultural exchange programs and education corridor. 

He said that Pakistani students under special arrangement of the Chinese government have been regularly getting scholarships. “The Chinese government has proposed to establish Pak-China institute of higher education in China for scholarship programs while linking it with Higher Education Commission of Pakistan to attract best students from Pakistan”, he added. 

Dr Sahib Khan, who recently completed his PhD in digital media studies from Ocean University of China while talking to the agency has said, “I had a wonderful experience of research as I found the faculty very cooperative throughout my stay in the university.” 

He said that there were a lot of scholarship opportunities for young Pakistani students in leading Chinese universities. He said that the Chinese people were disciplined, hardworking, sincere and committed to develop their country, adding that they were role model for international students.