In a significant step toward deepening educational and research ties between Pakistan and China, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan welcomed a high-level academic delegation from Northwest A&F University, China. The delegation was led by Professor Dr. Lixin Zhang, Chairman of the Silkroad Biohealth Agricultural Industrial Alliance.
The visit marks a key milestone in fostering collaboration in science, agriculture, and sustainable development, according to an official statement released Tuesday.
HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed hosted the delegation, which also included distinguished scholars such as Prof. Liang, Prof. Limin, Prof. Sun, and Prof. Shi. Productive discussions were held with senior Pakistani academics including Prof. Dr. Jamil (Vice Chancellor, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan), Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari (Vice Chancellor, Federal Urdu University), and Prof. Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad (Director, Sino-Pak Biohealth Centre, Quaid-i-Azam University).
Among the major outcomes of the visit were plans to establish a joint research laboratory at Quaid-i-Azam University, train 1,000 Pakistani students and researchers in Yangling, and launch faculty exchange programs. The talks also focused on collaborative research in food security, health innovation, environmental science, sustainable energy, and technology transfer.
This academic initiative aligns with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to transform Pakistan’s higher education sector and deepen people-to-people linkages with China.
As part of the broader China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), this strategic partnership is expected to accelerate scientific innovation, enhance agricultural productivity, and build human capital essential for long-term development in both nations.
