Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep gratitude towards China for its unwavering support of Pakistan on various fronts — including the IMF program and education — as he addressed a special ceremony for the Agriculture Scholarship Program. During his speech, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of strengthening ties through education and acknowledged China’s critical role in supporting Pakistan during challenging times.
Pakistani Agri Graduates Heading to China for Higher Studies
In a landmark step to uplift Pakistan’s agricultural sector, a group of bright agriculture graduates from all regions of the country — including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir — have been selected on merit to pursue higher education in China. These students will attend top Chinese universities under a scholarship program generously offered by the Chinese government.
The Prime Minister noted that over 10% of these scholarships have been allocated to Balochistan, emphasizing the commitment to inclusive development and regional representation.
Youth as a Bridge Between China and Pakistan
PM Shehbaz highlighted that this initiative is not just about education — it’s about building a bridge between Pakistan and China. By learning from China’s advancements in agricultural research and technology, these young scholars are expected to bring back valuable knowledge and skills that can help transform Pakistan’s agricultural practices.
He said:
“The youth are the architects of our future. Their role in the development of Pakistan is crucial. These students will become a living connection between Beijing and Islamabad, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.”
Chinese Support in Every Crisis, Including the IMF Program
The Prime Minister took a moment to sincerely thank China for its consistent and timely support of Pakistan. Whether during natural disasters, economic turmoil, or international negotiations, China has stood by Pakistan as a trusted partner.
He specifically acknowledged China’s exemplary role in supporting Pakistan’s dealings with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying:
China has helped us at every critical juncture. Their support in the IMF program was a reflection of true friendship and strategic partnership.
A Vision for Agricultural Progress
During his recent visit to China, PM Shehbaz said he was deeply impressed by the cutting-edge research and innovation at Chinese agricultural universities. He believes Pakistani students will benefit immensely from this exposure and will help revolutionize Pakistan’s agriculture industry upon their return.
The Prime Minister emphasized that modern agriculture is the backbone of economic stability, especially for a country like Pakistan where a large portion of the population depends on farming. He stressed the need for:
- Advanced farming techniques
- Climate-smart agriculture
- Innovation in water management
- Research on crop yields and pest control
China’s model in these areas can provide a strong foundation for future collaborations between the two nations.
Strengthening Educational and Strategic Ties
This scholarship program is yet another milestone in the ever-growing Pakistan-China friendship, which has seen multiple dimensions of cooperation — from infrastructure projects like CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) to energy, defense, and now, human development through education.
With these agricultural students set to pursue master’s and PhD degrees in China, Pakistan is looking forward to building a generation of skilled professionals who can help lead national development efforts.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Prime Minister concluded his speech by expressing hope and optimism. He praised the selected students for their hard work and urged them to become ambassadors of Pakistan while abroad.
Go to China not just to gain knowledge but to represent the spirit and potential of Pakistan. Your success will inspire many more in the years to come.
This visionary program marks a new chapter in Pakistan’s educational and agricultural journey, empowered by international cooperation and long-standing friendship with China.
