China Study Centre, Karakoram International University

Karakoram International University (Karakoram International University) paid rich tribute to the Chinese workers and engineers who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Karakoram Highway (KKH), marking the completion of 75 years of Pakistan–China diplomatic relations.

According to the KIU Public Relations Office, the university’s China Study Centre, Confucius Institute, and International Office jointly organized a commemorative ceremony at the historic Chinese Cemetery (China Memorial) in Danyor. The event was held to honor the martyrs whose sacrifices laid the foundation of the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China.

A large number of students, faculty members, and university officials participated in the ceremony, holding the national flags of both countries to symbolize deep friendship, unity, and mutual respect.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sajjad Haider, Director International Office KIU, along with other university officials, paid tribute to the Chinese martyrs and highlighted that their sacrifices have strengthened the long-standing Pakistan–China relationship. He emphasized the importance of further enhancing academic, cultural, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

The ceremony reflected KIU’s continued commitment to promoting international friendship, cultural understanding, and educational cooperation under the framework of Pakistan–China relations.

Karakoram International University (KIU) organized a colorful ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, highlighting the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

According to KIU Public Relations, the event featured Chinese language speech and writing competitions, where students enrolled in Chinese language programs actively participated and showcased their linguistic skills. The ceremony was attended by senior university officials, faculty members, Chinese language instructors, and students.

Speakers on the occasion emphasized that academic and cultural exchanges have played a vital role in strengthening people-to-people connections between Pakistan and China. They described the 75-year diplomatic relationship as a symbol of mutual trust, respect, and strategic cooperation.

Faculty members noted a growing interest among students in learning Mandarin, particularly due to opportunities arising from CPEC-related initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan. Appreciation was also expressed to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China for its continued support.

The event became more vibrant as students performed Chinese patriotic songs, celebrating friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

The ceremony was organized by the China Study Centre in collaboration with the International Office and SPDCE KIU, reinforcing KIU’s role as an academic bridge between Pakistan and China.The event was generously funded by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Islamabad.

A delegation from Karakoram International University (KIU), led by Prof. Dr. Abdul Razaq and accompanied by Dr. Sajjad Haider and Dr. Khalid Mehmood Alam, visited Kashgar, Xinjiang Province, from December 9 to 11, 2025. The delegation held productive meetings with Chinese counterparts to discuss key areas of collaboration, including the continuity and sustainability of the China Study Centre at KIU, future joint initiatives, student exchange opportunities, and scholarships for Chinese language students.
Prof. Dr. Abdul Razaq expressed optimism about further strengthening cooperation between KIU and partner institutions in China. He highlighted the ongoing collaborative efforts with various Chinese universities and emphasized the importance of expanding academic, research, and cultural exchange programs between both sides.
The Vice Chancellor of KIU appreciated the dedicated efforts of the delegation and stated that such engagements play a vital role in enhancing bilateral relations between Pakistan and China. He added that KIU continues to serve as a bridge, bringing academia and people closer through its diverse initiatives.
The visit marks a significant step in deepening institutional partnerships and initiating new collaborative activities for mutual academic growth.

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The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan has awarded a generous grant of PKR 4 million to Karakoram International University (KIU) under the “Ambassadorial Merit-cum-Need Scholarship” initiative, further strengthening China-Pakistan friendship through educational support.
According to KIU’s Public Relations Office, the grant has been handed over by officials of the Chinese Embassy and will be utilized to support deserving and talented students across the Main Campus and all three Sub-Campuses of KIU. The scholarship aims to empower financially challenged yet academically strong students in pursuing higher education.
Vice Chancellor of KIU, Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Ambassador and the Embassy team for their meaningful support. He stated that this scholarship will help produce highly educated and skilled graduates who will contribute positively to society. He added that this gesture is highly valuable for the students, the university, and the region.

Vice Chancellor Karakoram International University, Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah, distributed scholarship cheques to 95 PhD, MS, and BS students under the China–Pakistan Friendship Merit-cum-Need Based Scholarship program. According to KIU’s Public Relations Office, senior management, faculty members, and scholarship recipients attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor said that KIU is committed to facilitating students in every possible way so they may pursue their education without obstacles. He emphasized that students should remain focused on their studies and utilize the scholarship for academic needs to improve their performance and fulfill the purpose of the award.
Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah also appreciated the efforts of the Financial Aid Office’s Director and staff for their dedicated services in securing and managing the scholarship program. The China-Pakistan Friendship Scholarship is funded by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan.
Additionally, KIU is currently providing scholarships to 1,300 students through 13 different scholarship programs.
Representing the scholarship recipients, Afsana (Department of Sociology) and Faiz Hanfi (Department of IR) expressed their gratitude to the KIU Vice Chancellor, the university team, and especially the Chinese Embassy for creating opportunities that make higher education and research more accessible.