Sargodha (Web Desk): Pakistan Institute of China Studies (PICS) at Sargodha University organized an In-house Seminar on developing China Studies at Sargodha University. Besides the Vice Chancellor, Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Dr Fazalur Rahman, Director PICS and senior faculty members attended the seminar.
The Chinese participants included heads of Confucius Institutes – Prof Liu Chensheng, Punjab University, Dr Zhou Changming, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Dr Zhang Daojian, NUML, Islamabad, Mr Shaheen, a renowned Chinese journalist and Director China Radio International (CRI) and Ms Wang Sujing, Deputy Director, CRI.
Recently established PICS at University of Sargodha is playing a vital role in carrying forward the spirit of time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China through developing better understanding of the students on China. PICS is making serious efforts to help youth equip themselves with right kind of skills and knowledge to fully utilize the opportunities emerging with the development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Director PICS Dr Fazal ur Rahman briefed the Chinese delegates on the working of PICS and its future plans and asked for cooperation of Confucius Institutes in order to design various programmes at Sargodha University for introducing China studies.
The Chinese delegates suggested that Sargodha University should include Chinese language in the University’s curriculum as an optional course besides initiating an undergraduate 4+4 or 6+2 degree program in close collaboration with Chinese universities allowing the students to complete four to six semesters in Pakistan and remaining 4 to 2 semesters in China.
Sargodha being an agricultural region, the Chinese delegates also suggested to focus on training and transfer of Chinese agricultural technology and practices to the region. “We hope PICS will cultivate some young sinologist with strong knowledge of Chinese language and culture in next few years,” said Dr Zhang Daojian. The Chinese side emphasized the need of translating Urdu literature in Chinese and Chinese literature in Urdu to bridge the cultural understanding between the people of two countries.
The Vice Chancellor, Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad highlighted the importance of China Studies in Pakistan keeping in view the evolving regional and global environment and China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). In response to the suggestions and ideas floated by the Chinese delegates, the Vice Chancellor agreed to explore the possibilities of initiating joint-degree program and optional language course for students of Sargodha University.
He further briefed the Chinese delegates that Sargodha University has a strong niche in Agriculture and is collaborating with various Chinese Universities and institutions in citrus farming, dry-land and precision agriculture.
“Here at SU, we believe in action/implementation rather than just signing agreements and MoUs with other organizations. All the MoUs we signed with Chinese institutions so far, have been fully implemented,” he added.
The seminar was concluded with an understanding that PICS and University of Sargodha will benefit from the resources available at various Confucius Institutes in the region while initiating the process of setting up a Confucius Institute at the University of Sargodha.