A Cradle of Learning: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Visits Tianjin University

On the morning of August 31, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Tianjin University and delivered a keynote speech. He was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, and Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar. The speech was hosted by Yang Xianjin, Secretary of the CPC Tianjin University Committee, with President Chai Liyuan, Vice President Ming Dong, faculty representatives, and Pakistani students in attendance.

Prime Minister Sharif delivered an address entitled “Across Generations, Building a New Chapter in the China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future.” Expressing his delight at visiting Tianjin University, hailed as a “cradle of learning,” he encouraged Pakistani students studying at the university to acquire advanced knowledge and skills and to dedicate their expertise to the welfare, progress, and prosperity of Pakistan. He emphasized that graduates of Tianjin University will not only contribute to China’s development but also serve as torchbearers of China-Pakistan friendship.

In his remarks, Sharif recalled the long-standing bonds between China and Pakistan since the Silk Road era and highly commended China’s remarkable achievements. “China’s successful transformation into a global economic power offers valuable lessons on the importance of strategic long-term planning and people-centered policies,” he noted.

Highlighting the progress of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the Belt and Road Initiative, Sharif stressed that the project has significantly enhanced Pakistan’s infrastructure, energy, and connectivity, delivering tangible benefits to millions. He emphasized that CPEC has now entered a stage of high-quality development and called for deeper cooperation in emerging fields such as digital innovation, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy, with a focus on green and sustainable growth.

Sharif also presented a new vision for China-Pakistan educational collaboration, calling for expanded partnerships in scientific research and cultural exchange between universities of the two countries. Such cooperation, he said, would foster intercultural dialogue, strengthen mutual understanding, and consolidate the social foundations of bilateral friendship.

During the visit, the delegation toured Tianjin University’s major scientific infrastructure, the National Facility for Earthquake Engineering Simulation, and commended the university’s achievements in research innovation and engineering education.

By: Qin Mian