KARACHI: The Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi (CIUK), Professor Zhang Xiaoping, who is on a short trip to Karachi, visited the campus on Wednesday.

He met with KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, the registrar, deans, chairpersons, directors, faculty of various departments and institutes, and students at the multipurpose hall of KU’s HEJ.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Zhang mentioned that CIUK had long been a beacon of cultural exchange and academic collaboration, fostering a deeper understanding between our two nations.

“The three years I spent working at the Confucius Institute here at the University of Karachi have given me lasting friendships and the best memories. Karachi has truly become like a second home to me,” he said.

He added that the April 26, 2022 suicide attack on Confucius Institute deeply saddened him and others.

“Since resuming my role as the director, I have reflected on how we can move forward and continue our mission in these challenging times,” he said.

He emphasised that the Pakistani teachers at CIUK were the backbone of the institute and played a very vital role in promoting the Chinese language in the absence of Chinese teachers. He added that while Chinese teachers are not physically present in the classrooms, they are available online all the time for the students and CIUK.

On this occasion, KU VC Iraqi said that the main objective of the Confucius Institute was to introduce and promote the Chinese language to the students.

Published in Dawn, August 8th, 2024