Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan convened a meeting to strategize on improving outcomes from the CPEC Consortium of Universities, with an emphasis on strengthening academic ties between Pakistan and China. Chaired by Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, the meeting focused on assessing progress and setting priorities for future collaboration.

According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the meeting gathered senior HEC officials and university leaders from across the country. Director General of HEC’s CPEC Unit, Ms. Aayesha Ikram, detailed the Consortium’s expansion since its 2017 inception, now encompassing 93 Pakistani and 40 Chinese universities. Achievements include the establishment of China Study Centres, research grants, and exchange programs aimed at fostering institutional connections between the two nations.

Dr. Akhtar highlighted the need for a results-oriented approach, citing feedback from his recent visit to China. He called for Pakistani universities to translate existing agreements with Chinese counterparts into concrete outcomes, such as joint degree programs, collaborative research, and innovation partnerships. The Chairman also identified emerging fields like artificial intelligence and biotechnology as potential areas for enhanced cooperation.

The Chairman urged the incorporation of digital transformation in education and the advancement of China Studies programs. He pointed to opportunities such as research placements at Fudan University for Pakistani scholars, urging institutions to leverage policies supporting joint and dual degree initiatives.

The session concluded with a collective resolve to turn academic partnerships between Pakistan and China into significant contributions to research, innovation, and national development.