Chinese Consul General H.E. Zhao Shiren paid a significant visit to the University of Management and Technology (UMT), where he met with UMT President and former provincial minister Ibrahim Hasan Murad. The visit marked a new chapter in Pakistan-China academic cooperation, with both sides expressing strong commitment to joint educational ventures and regional development.
During the meeting, the Consul General announced the launch of a Chinese Scholarship Program specifically for UMT students. He revealed that leading Chinese universities would collaborate with UMT on faculty and student exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and integration of Chinese language and cultural studies into the curriculum.
“China is committed to deepening its ties with Pakistan in education and technology,” said Zhao. “We view academic partnerships as a key bridge to strengthen our time-tested friendship.”
President Ibrahim Hasan Murad welcomed the initiative and emphasized the university’s role in addressing national challenges through innovation and academic excellence. “We look forward to expanding our partnerships in IT, scientific research, artificial intelligence, and higher education,” he said. As a token of appreciation, Murad presented a souvenir to the Consul General.
H.E. Zhao Shiren also visited the Dr Hasan Sohaib Murad Memorial, paying tribute to the visionary founder of UMT and writing heartfelt remarks in the guestbook. He praised UMT’s academic contributions and described it as a strategic platform for enhancing Pakistan-China friendship.
Later, the Consul General was the chief guest at a seminar organized by UMT’s Department of Political Science and International Relations titled “Pakistan-China Bilateral Relations in the Evolving Geopolitics of South Asia.” The session attracted a wide audience including Chairperson Dr Usman Askari, faculty, and students.
In his keynote address, Zhao described Pakistan and China as “brothers and trusted neighbors,” emphasizing joint efforts in higher education, technology, and artificial intelligence. He reiterated China’s commitment to peace, development, and opposition to terrorism in the region. “Excluding India, South Asian countries can achieve collective progress through mutual cooperation,” he noted.
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The seminar concluded with an interactive Q\&A session where students actively engaged with the Consul General. The UMT administration expressed its gratitude for Zhao’s visit and lauded his dedication to promoting academic partnerships and regional harmony.