ISLAMABAD: Nov 11: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is considering establishing joint institutions of science and technology, naming Pak-China Institutes, where the facilities of exchange of skills and expertise will be provided in popular disciplines.

This was stated by Prof (Dr) Attaur Rahman, minister in charge for science & technology, and Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairman here on Tuesday. He was talking to a delegation of China Scholarship Council (CSC).

The minister said the HEC would also establish Chinese language centres at major cities of Pakistan which would be open to all.

Linkages between higher-learning institutions of Pakistan and China are increasing with every passing day and these will be further strengthened in time to come, he said.

“We are proud that we have strong friendly relations with one of the most developed countries like China and the linkages between the two countries are increasing, particularly in higher education sector,” Dr Ata said.

A number of educational programmes are being initiated by the HEC with the Chinese government regarding training of the faculty of public sector universities of Pakistan and other research and development activities.

The minister said the HEC had already launched a PhD scholarship programme for university teachers in leading universities of China. Under the programme, 35 people are studying in different universities of China for their PhD degrees, while the next badge of 50 scholars for the same degree programme is in process of selection.

“We hope that we will increase the number of scholarships in future and it is our target that at least 100 students from Pakistan do their PhDs from China annually,” Dr Ata said.

The minister appreciated the CSC efforts to accommodate Pakistani scholars in Chinese universities and resolving most of the issues mutually.

He said in a very short period of time, the HEC had been able to develop cordial working relationship with the staff of CSC and Ms Meng Li in particular, who had been very efficient in addressing all the issues related to Pakistani scholars sent to China.

He also thanked Chinese ambassador to Pakistan for being instrumental in getting the service charges of China Scholarship Council waved for the scholarship scheme.

The delegation praised the HEC for taking initiatives to develop higher education sector in Pakistan with the help of China. The delegates were of the view that the relationship between the HEC and SCS should be enhanced. They said the CSC would provide all its assistance to develop higher education sector in Pakistan.

The CSC delegation, led by Li Bing from International Students Division, comprised Kang Xiulan of Dongfang International Centre for Education Exchange, Meng Li of International Students Division, Wang Su of Information Centre and Zhao Lingshan of Department of International Cooperation and Exchange.

HEC executive director Dr M. Akram Shaikh, HRD&SP member Dr Sohail H. Naqvi, HEC curriculum and training wing DG Dr Altaf Ali Shaikh, HEC project director Mohammad Ali Shaikh and representatives of public sector universities also attended the meeting.