Beyond Borders: Pakistani Students Aspire to Deepen China-Pakistan Ties

“Hearing this news filled my heart with warmth and inspiration!” said Usama Afzal, a PhD student at the School of Microelectronics of Tianjin University. For Afzal, his excitement stemmed not from his impressive academic record—including 28 papers published in reputed international journals—but from the profound encouragement he felt after Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned the joint letter he co-wrote.

The letter, penned by Pakistani students at Tianjin University, expressed their shared aspiration to become builders of cooperation, promoters of exchanges, and guardians of friendship between the two countries. During a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on May 25, President Xi Jinping shared his pleasure in receiving the letter, noting that he was heartened to see that the cause of China-Pakistan friendship has dedicated young successors.

Inspired by this recognition, Afzal is now more determined to focus on key areas like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"Science knows no borders, and cooperation has no limits."  he stated. “I hope to apply my expertise in microelectronics to align with the needs of China-Pakistan sci-tech cooperation, boosting the synergistic development of high-tech fields in both countries. Meanwhile, I also shoulder the mission of youth communication, aiming to share the true stories of China's education and development with my home country and the world."

For Muhammad Shoaib, a PhD student at the School of Civil Engineering of Tianjin University, the journey has been transformative. He once struggled with the depth of academic theories and the repetitive nature of lab experiments but found strength in the university's supportive environment.

“Tianjin University has surrounded me with warmth, care, and unwavering support,” Shoaib said.

Knowing President Xi conveyed deep concern for international students made him treasure this learning opportunity even more. Shoaib stated: “I am now more determined than ever to bring my expertise back to Pakistan and dedicate myself wholeheartedly to building the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, contributing to the enduring friendship between our two nations.”

Imad Alam, a PhD student from the School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Tianjin University, expressed his gratitude. “I feel deeply honored and inspired. I hope to continue contributing to academic cooperation, innovation, and stronger Pakistan-China relations through education, research, and cultural exchange.” said Alam, who also volunteered last year for a teaching program at Nanyang Middle School in Tanchang County, Gansu Province.

Reflecting on this experience, Alam recalled: “My heart was filled with immense joy seeing students who were initially too shy to speak eventually stand confidently on stage for a speech contest. These experiences helped me understand the true meaning of using knowledge to serve others.”

Aqsa Anwar, an undergraduate student from the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology of Tianjin University, felt deeply moved: “The fact that President Xi mentioned our letter at such a significant diplomatic event shows that he truly keeps ordinary international students close to his heart.”

A recipient of the Grand Prize (International Track) at the 2025 National Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Design Competition, Anwar credited her growth to the inclusive campus culture. “My access to top-tier engineering training at Tianjin University would not have been possible without the help of my Chinese teachers and classmates. Life here has given me a deep appreciation for the warmth of the Chinese people—from dumplings during the Spring Festival and the moon cakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival, to the laughter at the International Culture Festival. These experiences have truly transformed me from a ‘stranger in a foreign land’ into a true ‘TJUer’.”

Looking ahead, she plans to pursue her master's degree at Tianjin University. “I will use what I've learned to contribute to China-Pakistan cooperation,” she affirmed.

Asma Bibi, a PhD student from the School of Architecture of Tianjin University and a recipient of the Dr. R.K. Pachauri Award for Youth-Led Climate Action 2025, plans to bridge her academic research with practical action.

“I hope to launch a ‘China-Pakistan Youth Action’ initiative, inviting more young people from both countries to join this effort, so that people-to-people exchanges become a solid foundation for our all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.” Bibi stated.

The bond between the two countries is also vividly reflected in the journey of Awan, a PhD student at the School of Civil Engineering of Tianjin University. He has been deeply engaged in China-Pakistan cooperation since the very beginning. In 2019, Awan hosted a program on Pakistan National Television to explain the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to audiences back home with viewership ranging into millions. In 2024, he attended the World Youth Development Forum and, as one of eight youth representatives, released the International Youth Initiative on the Summit of the Future.

Awan also shared a unique personal connection with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. In 2017, when Mr. Shehbaz Sharif visited Tianjin, China, Awan participated in the reception work. Years later, during the 2025 SCO Summit, Prime Minister Sharif visited Tianjin University, and Awan presented him with a photo from their meeting back in 2017—a picture the Prime Minister deeply cherished. "This friendship spanning eight years makes me truly feel the warmth of China-Pakistan friendship being passed down from generation to generation." Awan said.

As one of the leading Chinese universities admitting high-achieving Pakistani postgraduates, Tianjin University currently hosts 373 students from Pakistan.

In recent years, aligning closely with the demands of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Tianjin University has leveraged the strengths of its "Emerging Engineering Education" initiatives. By introducing a "Project-Based Learning" (PBL) model and actively building platforms for university-enterprise collaboration, the university is dedicated to cultivating innovative leaders. A large number of Pakistani graduates have joined major bilateral projects, becoming key personnel for Chinese enterprises operating in Pakistan.

Professor Yang Xianjin, Secretary of the CPC Tianjin University Committee, stated that the warm concern from President Xi Jinping has greatly inspired the entire university community. He emphasized that the university will continue to deepen the quality of its international education, recruiting and nurturing more international students, encouraging them to become builders of cooperation, ambassadors of exchange, and guardians of friendship between China and the world.

By Sun Xiaofang