F.P. Report
PESHAWAR: The 3 Day conference at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar concluded. Many aspects were discussed, questioned and responded to regarding the CPEC project. 160 papers were submitted out of which 60 were selected. The presented papers will be published in the special edition of University’s X category research journal of Social Sciences.
The main concept of the conference was keeping in mind the importance of CPEC project. As the people are talking about this project in political point of view and on social media, so there was a dire need to create a platform for academicians and researchers to share their research in order to explore different aspects and dimensions of this project. The overall report will be presented to the concerned Chinese authorities for consideration.
On the occasion Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana, Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar addressed the audience. She stated that we believe in dynamism and initiatives. CPES is the biggest project so long with mega funding and no matter when it is completed, our interaction with China will go a long way in all aspects. She stated that in 3 years almost 22000 students of different academic levels study in China. One of our own Ph D scholar is about to complete her degree in Computer Sciences.
She stated that females are as equal in terms of qualities and they should be benefitted from this project.
She added that the 1st priority of China is to bring about betterment for people of Pakistan and universities being the change engines play vital role in the progress of the nation. Therefore in the stated context, in the meeting with Chinese delegate, we have consented upon signing an MoU regarding the Faculty and Students Exchange Programs, collaborative research projects.
Dr. Usman Ghani, Joint Director, who is also serving as deputy team leader in KP to explore opportunities for students in universities in China said that under this project, there is a potential for incubation centers, linkages and other research collaborations. But strong coordination is also need as the response rate is slow. Therefore, I propose a centralized forum in Islamabad for business and admissions/scholarships with different chapters in other provinces too. It should also have a website to have a strong coordination with china. We have to move out of MoU signing and work on practical grounds.
As language is the main barrier, therefore until now, 150 students are sent for language learning in China. 145 in pipeline, moreover he stated that HEC has to play the role in making a platform to scrutinize the talented students to be sent.
Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asif said that it was a tremendous conference. There are many opportunities we need to get prepared to grab them. We need to chalk out plans to initiate productive and research projects with China.
He enlightened the audience that they have agreed to place a Pakistan Corner at North West University of China where books and other resource material will be available to Chinese.
The Chief Guest of the event, Dr. Mehertaj Roghani, Deputy Speaker lauded the efforts of Prof. Dr. Razia Sultana and stated that she always initiates different and productive projects that contribute to the society. She stated that when PTI took the charge, the condition of educational institutes was very poor.
