Chinese cultural institute at Numl expanded

Following in the footsteps of Saudis, the Chinese have now taken to promote their culture at Pakistani educational institutions. The Chinese government has contributed towards the expansion of the ‘Confucius Institute’ at the National University of Modern Languages (Numl) in Islamabad. “As the Chinese economy expands, there is a rapidly growing demand for learning Chinese language,” said a Numl professor, requesting anonymity.

The professor said the Saudis are contributing towards the Islamic University while Americans have contributed towards the establishment of the American Centre at the Quaid-e-Azam University. “Now China is also jumping in the fray and if three big players are giving us financial assistance, it is a good thing,” he said.

The Confucius Centre was originally established several years ago and is jointly run by Numl and Chinese educationists. The vice president of the institute, Dr Zhang Daojian told Dawn that China wants to promote its culture and improve people to people interaction. “This centre will contribute towards cementing Pak-China relations,” he said.

The newly-constructed Confucius Centre building was inaugurated on Thursday. The inauguration ceremony was attended by a Chinese delegation, Numl Rector and Numl Director General, among others.

“The institute will help Pakistani and Chinese people to better understand each other. The institute aims to help students polish Chinese language skills and educate them Chinese culture,” Numl Public Relations Officer Taimur Shamil said.

Air varsity students awarded degrees

Students of Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi were awarded degrees at the convocation ceremony on Monday. Degrees were awarded to 2109 students in total. Forty-two students were given PhD degrees, 365 graduated with M.Phil degrees while Masters degrees were awarded to 1056 students while 646 students were awarded undergraduate degrees.

The 16th Convocation of the Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) was held at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad.

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was invited as the chief guest at the occasion and presented gold medals to outstanding students.

Gold medals were presented to 32 students for exceptional academic performance, seven students were awarded silver medals and bronze medals were presented to six.

“Pakistan is passing through a crucial phase and there is a scarcity of jobs. Work as entrepreneurs and contribute towards the economy,” the minister advised the students.

— Text by Kashif Abbasi

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2015

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