Beijing (TDI): Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, attended the Belt and Road Ambassador Scholarship Award Ceremony, where he highlighted the importance of educational cooperation and youth engagement under the Belt and Road framework.
Speaking at the event, the ambassador praised the Overseas Chinese Charity Foundation of China for launching the scholarship initiative, describing it as a valuable platform for students from Belt and Road countries to pursue higher education in China, gain international exposure, and develop key skills.
He emphasized that the scholarship program was a key initiative promoting people-to-people connectivity, reflecting the core values of the Belt and Road Initiative.
While congratulating the award recipients, including Pakistani and Malaysian students, the Ambassador underscored that their academic achievements signified talent, skills and a reflection of the shared promise of youth across the region. He extended special congratulations to the five Pakistani students receiving the prestigious scholarship: Khalid Atia, Asad Muhammad, Qaisar Irfan, Jamil Muhammad Fawad, and Risalat Amina, commending their hard work and dedication.
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Highlighting Pakistan’s demographic strength, Ambassador Hashmi noting the country’s large and dynamic youth population served a key driver of innovation and growth, adding that Pakistani youth were increasingly gaining global recognition in fields such as technology and entrepreneurship.
The Ambassador further observed that as China set out on the path of implementing its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), with a strong focus on high-quality development, technological innovation, green transition, and sustainability, it would present new avenues of cooperation for Pakistan and other countries. He emphasized that students could play an important role in next-generation collaboration between Pakistan and China, particularly in areas such as technology, green energy, and artificial intelligence.
Reaffirming the enduring Pakistan–China relationship, Ambassador Hashmi described the two countries as “Iron Brothers” and All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners. He noted that educational cooperation remains a cornerstone of this partnership and encouraged students to make the most of their time in China by pursuing academic excellence and deepening their understanding of Chinese culture.
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Concluding his remarks, the envoy expressed confidence that the Belt and Road Ambassadorial Scholarship Program will continue to grow, benefiting more students from Pakistan and other partner countries while further strengthening Pakistan–China friendship.
The ceremony was hosted by the Overseas Chinese Charity Foundation of China, the Science & Technology Department of the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, Tsinghua University, and People’s Daily Haiwainet.
Farkhund Yousafzai is the Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
