LAHORE: Chinese Consul General in Lahore Mr Zhao Shiren on Tuesday announced the establishment of the Chinese Consul General Scholarship at the University of Gujrat (UoG), pledging an annual grant of Rs1 million to support 20 deserving students from diverse academic disciplines.
Addressing faculty members, students and dignitaries at the university, Mr Zhao said the initiative aimed to encourage academic excellence, inclusivity and service to society while further cementing educational and people-to-people linkages between China and Pakistan.
“The scholarship is both merit- and need-based, and gender inclusive. The university administration will have full authority over the selection process, with no political conditions attached,” he said, adding that the programme reflected China’s continued commitment to nurturing Pakistan’s youth and strengthening bilateral understanding.
“You are the hope of Pakistan and the future of China-Pakistan friendship,” he told students, urging them to uphold integrity, honesty, and a sense of responsibility in contributing to the country’s progress and regional peace.
Mr Zhao lauded the University of Gujrat’s role in producing skilled professionals and contributing to Pakistan’s socio-economic development, terming the institution a valuable partner in fostering mutual friendship and cooperation. He also expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zahoor ul Haq and Vice Chancellor Mian Imran Masood of USA for their coordination and hospitality during the visit.
The Consul General highlighted the enduring and “unshakable” nature of China-Pakistan friendship, which he said had stood firm through seven decades of geopolitical changes. He emphasised that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had transformed bilateral cooperation “from the Karakoram ranges to the Gwadar Port, from infrastructure connectivity to livelihood projects,” yielding tangible benefits for both peoples and enhancing regional stability.
Referring to the recent 4th Plenary Session of the Communist Party of China held in Beijing, Mr Zhao said the adoption of the 15th Five-Year Plan would deepen institutional reforms, promote high-quality development, and advance the process of “Chinese modernization,” which, he noted, would create new opportunities for Pakistan in the coming years.
Touching upon global developments, he said the world today was marked by turbulence, uncertainty and transformation, with hegemony and unilateralism on the rise. “Despite attempts by some to contain China, its peaceful rise and development are unstoppable historical processes,” he remarked.
He elaborated on China’s diplomatic vision of building “a community with a shared future for mankind,” underpinned by four major initiatives — the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative. These, he said, were designed to address global deficits in peace, security, development and governance while promoting an equitable, multipolar world and an inclusive form of economic globalization.
“China remains committed to promoting an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a mutually beneficial, inclusive globalization,” the Consul General asserted, expressing confidence that Pakistan and other Global South countries would play a vital role in shaping a more balanced international order.