Sargodha (Digital Post) : ICSF–UoS Fellowship Program 2025–26 Concludes with China Fellowship Award Ceremony at University of Sargodha

On May 5, 2026, the China Fellowship Award Ceremony was successfully held at the University of Sargodha (UoS) to mark the completion of the ICSF–UoS Fellowship Program 2025–26. The event recognized the valuable contributions of participants, faculty members, speakers, and program management team.

The six-month fellowship program was organized by the Institute for a Community with Shared Future (ICSF) at Communication University of China, Beijing, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan. Running from October 14, 2025, to April 28, 2026, the program aimed to strengthen academic exchange, research collaboration, and cultural understanding between Pakistan and China.

The award ceremony was jointly organized by the Pakistan Institute of China Studies (PICS-UoS) and the Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan.

The ceremony began with a thought-provoking lecture by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of PRCCSF, titled “A Community with a Shared Future: Pathways and Prospects for Youth in Pakistan.” He emphasized that in an interconnected world, no nation can progress in isolation and that global challenges require collective and cooperative solutions.

He highlighted the concept of a shared future based on mutual respect, win-win cooperation, sustainable development, and peaceful coexistence. Speaking on Pakistan’s strategic importance, he noted its geographic position as a regional connectivity hub linking South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and China.

A major focus of his lecture was the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), presented as a practical model of the shared future concept. He explained its role in enhancing infrastructure, energy development, industrial cooperation, and trade connectivity while generating employment and economic growth.

Mr. Akram also emphasized the importance of enhancing business-to-business (B2B) cooperation in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, IT, and construction. He underlined that youth empowerment remains central to Pakistan’s future, noting that over 60% of the country’s population is young and represents a powerful driver of innovation and development.

The lecture concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session in which participants engaged actively on topics including CPEC opportunities, digital transformation, academic exchange, and skill development.

The second half of the event featured the formal distribution of certificates and awards to fellows of the ICSF–UoS Fellowship Program 2025–26 in recognition of their successful completion of the program.

The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Dr. Amir Ali, Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Sargodha. Other distinguished guests included:

● Mr. Ishtiaq Ahmed Gondal, Director Information Technology, University of Sargodha

● Mr. Wajahat Ali, Board Member at PRCCSF and Director Community Engagement, Centre for Alternative Perspectives

● Dr. Muhammad Irfan, Chairman, Department of Biotechnology, University of Sargodha

The second half of the ceremony commenced with a keynote address by Prof. Li Huailiang, Dean of the Institute for a Community with Shared Future (ICSF) at the Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing. He described the fellowship as “not only the conclusion of a six-month academic journey, but also a celebration of intellectual exchange and meaningful international collaboration that has deeply impacted all participants.”

Prof. Li expressed sincere appreciation to the leadership of the University of Sargodha, the organizers, and partner institutions for their vision and support in making the program a success. He particularly acknowledged the collaborative role of PICS and PRCCSF in building a strong academic bridge between China and Pakistan.

This was followed by a detailed presentation by Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Director of the Pakistan Institute of China Studies and Host Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Sargodha, who provided an overview of the fellowship program, its objectives, academic structure, and impact on participants. He emphasized how the program strengthened research skills, critical thinking, and cross-cultural academic engagement.

Adding a cultural dimension to the ceremony, students performed Chinese songs, symbolizing friendship and cultural harmony between Pakistan and China.

Representing the fellowship participants, Mr. Muhammad Sohail Hassan from the Department of Political Science at UoS shared his reflections on the program. He stated that the fellowship significantly enhanced academic knowledge, research skills, and professional development, while article writing assignments helped participants build stronger academic profiles.

On behalf of the focal persons, Dr. Asma Khizar, Lecturer at the Institute of Education, University of Sargodha, appreciated the successful execution of the program and its contribution to academic excellence and international collaboration.

42 participants including students and focal persons from various departments who graduated successfully in this fellowship program were awarded with the certificates of appreciation from the Institute for a Community with Shared Future (ICSF) at Communication University of China, Beijing.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a Citation of Honor and Shield of Appreciation to Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram in recognition of his leadership and initiative in launching the fellowship program.

In another significant recognition, Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan was awarded a Citation of Honor by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram on behalf of Prof. Li Huailiang for successfully implementing the fellowship program at the University of Sargodha for the first time.

The Chief Guest, Dr. Amir Ali, Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Sargodha, delivered the vote of thanks, commending PICS and ICSF for their efforts in promoting academic cooperation, youth development, and Pakistan–China educational collaboration.

The ceremony was expertly moderated by Ms. Alishba Aslam, Research Officer at PICS, while the certificate distribution segment was managed by Ms. Yusra Binte Nisar, Research Assistant at PRCCSF.