Centre of Excellence in China Studies has been set up in GCU

Lahore: The Punjab Government Higher Education Department has established a ‘Center of Excellence for China Studies’ at the Government College University, Lahore under the direct directions from Punjab Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who also allocated a seed money of Rs 30 million for the center. Chinese Embassy Cultural Counselor Zhang Yingbao, Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Khaleeq-ur-Rahman and Secretary Abdullah Sumbal Thursday jointly inaugurated the China Studies Centre on behalf of the chief minister. The university has established the centre at the historical Old Gymnasium Building, built in 1858. John Lockwood Kipling, father of Rudyar Kipling, referred this building as Dark Bungalow in his book.

Provincial Minister for Education Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan formally inaugurated the Centre of Excellence in China Studies today. Cultural Consular of Chinese Embassy in Pakistan Zhang Yingbao, Dean School of Public Administration, University of Geo Sciences China Dr. Jiang Feng and Associate Prof. Dr. Xiexiaoqing as well as Secretary Higher Education Punjab Abdullah Sumbal and Vice Chancellor GC University Lahore Dr. Khaliq-ur-Rehman also attended the inaugural ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan said that learning of Chinese language and its historical background is essential for Pakistanis to know about the political, cultural, educational and historical aspects of People’s Republic of China. He said that the Centre of Excellence established in Lahore will be helpful in further strengthening the friendly relations between both the countries. Rana Mashhood told that Punjab Chief Minister has given approval to the provision of Rs. 3 crore as initial seed money for this centre. Chinese Cultural Consular said on this occasion that Chinese government will provide required books and faculty for this centre.

Vice Chancellor Prof Rahman said that the building had been completely restored, and state-of-the-art facilities were provided for the center. He said that the center, besides research at the postgraduate level, would initiate diploma and certificates in China Studies. He also directed all department of the university coordinate with centre for research in the relevant areas. He said that the centre, manned with scholars, would work to provide intensive research on Chinese language, culture, and economic and political systems besides promoting bilateral relations and most importantly provide strategic guidance in pursuit of common objectives both regionally as well as internationally.

In his message for the inauguration, Ambassador of China to Pakistan Sun Weidong said that China enjoyed a splendid culture of more than 5000 years, and a better understanding of Chinese culture would enhance the friendly exchanges between China and Pakistan. The Ambassador believed that the GCU China Study Centre would open a new window for Pakistani friends to have a comprehensive and profound understanding of China and further promote the deep-rooted friendship of both peoples. He said he would soon visit the center.  He also appreciated the efforts of Secretary Higher Education Abdullah Sumbal for establishment of China Studies Centre (CSC) at GCU.

Addressing the ceremony, Zhang Yingbao pledged to provide books, journals and other research material on this history, culture, philosophy and literature of China for centre besides financial, administrative and academic assistance. He also gave away a gift of painting to the centre on the behalf of Chinese ambassador.

GCU Political Science Department Chairperson Dr Khalid Manzoor Butt has been given the look-after charge of the office of Director, China Studies Centre and he would assist the university and Punjab government in making the centre active as per the best international standards.

Addressing the inauguration, Punjab Education Minister Rana Mashood said that Pak-China friendship was time-tested but people in Pakistan did not know much about China, adding that research and teaching of China Studies in Pakistan would help in bringing the people of both countries close to each other.

Abdullah Sumbal said that the Punjab government would provide full assistance to make CSC a centre of excellence in the country. He said in China, there were three Pakistan studies centres mad they had been getting more importance and financial support than centers of other countries.

Earlier, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan also presided over a special seminar on “early childhood education” held under the aegis of a welfare organization Plan International and National Rural Support Programme.

On the occasion, the launching ceremony of the annual report of Plan International “Because I am a girl” about the hindrances in the social development of girls was held.

Rana Mashhood said that the mental development of any child is completed up to the age of eight years and after that, his mental abilities are developed through knowledge, therefore, it is necessary that education should be provided to the small children in friendly atmosphere. He told that Punjab government has decided to adopt Early Childhood Education model in 1225 government schools with the cooperation of Plan International. He said that a “kids room” will be set up in every school under this pilot programme and a maid will be posted in every school for looking after small children.

Acting Country Director of Plan International Pakistan Imran Yousaf Shami, Policy & Advocacy Coordinator Iftikhar Mubarak and Programme Director DSD Ehsanullah Bhutta as well as Assembly Members Dr. Aalia Aftab, Raheela Khadim Hussain and Shameela Aslam also expressed their views on the occasion.