International Conference on “Bridging Horizons: Celebrating Pakistan-China Deep-Rooted Friendship” Held at University of the Punjab

Lahore, The Gulf Observer: On 10^th February 2026, an International Conference titled “Bridging Horizons: Celebrating Pakistan–China Deep-Rooted Friendship” was held at Al-Razi Hall, Quaid-i-Azam Campus, University of the Punjab, Lahore. The conference was jointly organized by the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of the Punjab, Lahore, in collaboration with the Institute for a Community with Shared Future (ICSF), Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan.

The conference aimed to celebrate the longstanding and time-tested friendship between Pakistan and China while promoting academic dialogue, people-to-people connectivity, and scholarly engagement across the political, economic, cultural, and strategic dimensions of bilateral relations. The conference featured four sessions, each designed to highlight various aspects of Pakistan–China cooperation and to acknowledge the outstanding academic and creative contributions of participating students.

The opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. Mahboob Hussain, Dean, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of the Punjab, Lahore, who highlighted the importance of academic platforms in strengthening Pakistan–China relations through dialogue, research collaboration, and cultural exchange.

The welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad. He emphasized the role of youth engagement, research-based initiatives, and people-to-people connectivity in advancing the vision of a community with a shared future between Pakistan and China.

An online address was delivered by Professor Li Huailiang, Dean, Institute for a Community with Shared Future (ICSF), Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing. In his remarks, he reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening academic cooperation with Pakistan and stressed the importance of intellectual collaboration in reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Distinguished speakers and their thematic contributions included:

• Mr. Harris Naeem, Chief Executive Officer, Hi-Tech Mining Associates (HTMA) Limited, spoke on Pakistan–China geological cooperation and mapping resources for sustainable development.
• Mr. Zeeshan Qureshi, Chief Operating Officer, Capital Smart Innovations, presented insights on Digital Silk Road 2.0 and the role of artificial intelligence and smart technologies in Pakistan–China cooperation.
• Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor, University of the Punjab, Lahore, highlighted the importance of strengthening academic collaboration and international partnerships between Pakistan and China.
• Dr. Muhammad Usman Askari, Chairperson, Department of Political Science and International Relations, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, discussed the geopolitics of Pakistan–China relations in a multipolar world.
• Dr. Kishwar Munir, Head of Department, School of Integrated Social Sciences, University of Lahore, examined the South Asian security complex and its implications for Pakistan–China relations.
• Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Director, Pakistan Institute for China Studies (PICS), and Host Director, Confucius Institute, University of Sargodha, spoke on institutionalizing civilizational exchange through Confucius Institutes to strengthen Pakistan–China friendship.
• Dr. Fouzia Hadi Ali, Associate Professor, and Director, Career Counselling and Placement Centre, University of the Punjab, Lahore, highlighted Pakistan–China cooperation for regional integration and connectivity.
• Brigadier Retired Mansoor Saeed, Senior Vice President, Pakistan–China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI), discussed the evolution of Pakistan–China economic relations at 75 from diplomacy to development.
• Mr. Noor Ullah, Manager Marketing, Jang Group of Companies, emphasized the role of journalism and media as strategic stakeholders in Pakistan–China relations.

A key highlight of the conference was the inauguration of the poster competition on the theme “Pakistan–China Friendship.” The competition encouraged students to creatively express their understanding of the historical, cultural, and strategic dimensions of Pakistan–China relations. Students from diverse academic backgrounds actively participated by presenting visually engaging and intellectually rich posters reflecting themes of friendship, cooperation, development, and a shared future.

The 1^st and 2^nd sessions concluded with interactive question-and-answer segments, followed by the distribution of souvenirs to the keynote speakers in appreciation of their valuable contributions.

Sessions 3 and 4 were conducted simultaneously, providing a platform for focused discussions on emerging challenges, policy perspectives, and future opportunities in Pakistan–China relations. Each session featured presentations by four selected students based on outstanding research articles.

Session 3 was chaired by Ms. Iqra Javaid, Lecturer, School of Integrated Social Sciences, University of Lahore, and co-chaired and moderated by Ms. Areeba, Department of History and Pakistan Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore.

Speakers included:

• Dr. M. Naeem Khan, University of the Punjab, Lahore, presented on Pakistan–China friendship with a focus on challenges and opportunities.
• Mr. Rai Muhammad Usman, Country Director Pakistan, World Agriculture Forum, spoke on sustainable agriculture and climate resilience through Pakistan–China collaboration.

Session 4 was chaired by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), and co-chaired and moderated by Ms. Zainab Sohail, PRCCSF Fellow.

Speakers included:

• Mr. Wajahat Ali, Director Community Engagement Lahore and Islamabad, Center for Alternative Perspectives (CAP), discussed youth as custodians of Pakistan–China friendship for the next twenty-five years.
• Ms. Khadija Mubarik, Chief Executive Officer, M.A. Chaudhari and Company Chartered Accountants, spoke on financial transparency and risk management in cross-border Pakistan–China projects.

In both sessions, students showcased their research, insights, and perspectives on Pakistan–China relations, engaging the audience through thoughtful and well-articulated presentations. Both sessions concluded with the announcement of the winners of the speech competition, followed by the distribution of souvenirs to the session chairs, co-chairs, and winning students in recognition of their contributions.

The conference witnessed the participation of nearly 500 participants, reflecting strong academic enthusiasm and a shared commitment to strengthening the Pakistan–China friendship for future generations.