A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Punjab University and Sichuan University-one of the three largest and oldest Chinese varsities-to promote co-operation for special training, researches and mutual exchange of faculty and students delegations.
The signing ceremony was held on Monday at the Institute of Biochemistry, which was attended by Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Jamil Anwar Chaudhry, Registrar Professor Dr Muhammad Naeem Khan, Director External Linkages Maria Maldonado as well as concerned PU deans, directors and principals.
The MoU was inked by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran and Vice-President of Sichuan University Shijian who was also the leader of the 26-member delegation. Speaking on the occasion, Shijian described the MoU signing ceremony as a great occasion, which will enable faculty and students of both varsities to get to know each other's culture, language and wisdom.
He said Pakistan and China have 'zero distance' in friendship, meaning thereby that they don't have any distances in exemplary friendship. He informed that Sichuan is preparing its 40000 young students to face the challenges of the rapidly changing world. Pakistan and China share quite a lot because they have common similarities, he added.
He on the occasion also announced scholarships for 2 best PU students every year for pursuing their concerned areas of studies in Sichuan University. He also said SU will open up all their disciplines for PU scholars and students to join us for mutual collaboration while experts from SU will also be sent to start a series of lectures at PU.
Expressing his views, Dr Mujahid Kamran said China has always proved that it is the only reliable friend for Pakistan. No one could harm this time-tested friendship which is based on mutual trust. We are happy over the spectacular economic development achieved by Chinese people in all walks of life, he added.
He reiterated that the PU administration is committed to internationalise Punjab University to promote world level higher education and research. The average number of PhDs, being produced per annum, at PU has risen three times during the last three years from the previous 41 to 126 PhDs at present.
Dr Kamran also announced two scholarships for the brightest Sichuan University students every year for their studies at Punjab University. Principal Oriental College Dr Mazhar Moeen requested the visiting dignitary to provide services of a Chinese teacher for imparting knowledge of Chinese language and literature to 35 students presently studying for Diploma in Chinese language.
The Vice-Chancellor also accompanied the Chinese delegation during their detailed tour of the PU Main Library, the Law College, Department of English and Undergraduate Block. A luncheon was also hosted in honour of the visiting Chinese guests. Earlier, Madam Shazia Noreen Qureshi, Dr Shahida Hasnain, Professor Rahat Naved Masud, Professor Shaista Sonnu Siraj-ud-Din, Dr Mansoor Sarwar, Dr Ehsan Malik, Dr Iftikhar Baloch, Dr Khawaja Amjad Saeed and Dr Saleem Mazhar gave a briefing about the academic activities of their respective faculties and departments.