ISLAMABAD: At a high-level webinar on “China–Pakistan Relationship: Youth Perspective” held on Thursday afternoon, experts from both Pakistan and China highlighted that the sustainability of the all-weather strategic partnership depends on strengthening youth-centered educational, cultural, and academic exchanges.
The event was organized by the Asian Institute of Eco-Civilization Research and Development (AIERD), bringing together leading academics, policy thinkers, and young scholars from both countries.
Dr. Zhang Ren Feng of Siachen University emphasized that Chinese youth were increasingly eager to learn about Pakistan’s governance model, cultural traditions, and social dynamics.
He urged Islamabad to design new programs that would allow more frequent interaction between students of the two nations. “We cannot limit cooperation to projects alone; the real strength of Pakistan–China friendship will lie in young people knowing, respecting, and learning from each other,” he said.
From Pakistan, Ms. Nabila Jaffer of the Institute of Regional Studies underlined that Pakistani youth see China as a land of opportunity, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She welcomed Beijing’s announcement of a K-type visa for STEM students and researchers, describing it as a concrete expression of China’s commitment to strengthening intellectual partnerships.
Dr. Zhao Lei of Fudan University added that economic collaboration between the two nations would be vital in generating jobs and ensuring Pakistan’s youth are empowered to play a constructive role in nation-building. Meanwhile, Ms. Sadaf noted that Pakistan–China cooperation should move beyond traditional projects toward innovation corridors, research cooperation, and regional integration, especially by connecting Afghanistan and neighboring regions to the benefits of CPEC. –Agencies
