LAHORE: (Tuesday, February 10, 2026): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Muhammad Ali has said that Pakistan must learn from China to promote modern agriculture. He emphasized that only through the development of a knowledge-based economy, science, technology, and agriculture; Pakistan can compete with the world. He was addressing a conference on “Bridging Horizons: Celebrating Pakistan-China Deep Rooted Friendship”, organized at Al Raazi Hall here on Tuesday. The conference was organized by Punjab University Faculty of Arts and Humanities in collaboration with the Institute for a Community with a Shared Future, Communication University of China, and the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan. On this occasion, Dean of the Institute for a Community with a Shared Future Prof Li Huailing, participated online while executive Director Pakistan Research Center with Shared Future Khalid Taimur Akram, Senior Vice President Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry Brig (r) Mansoor Saeed, Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities Prof Dr Mehboob Hussain, faculty members, researchers, and a large number of students from various universities were also present. In his address, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that good neighborly relations between Pakistan and China are vital for peace and development in the region. He said that after the US, Chinese universities are now ranked among the top universities of the world. He added that China has proven through practical measures in Pakistan that it is sincere about Pakistan’s development. He further said that science and technology in China have advanced to such an extent that surgeries are being performed with the help of robots. He remarked that Pakistanis receive immense respect in China, which is difficult to imagine. He stressed the need to introduce modern disciplines such as AI and data science across all fields. Referring to the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, he appreciated the efforts of the organizers for holding an excellent conference. Speaking online from China, Prof Li Huailing said that the friendship between Pakistan and China remains deep and trustworthy even in the modern world. He said that participating in a conference on Pak-China diplomatic relations is a great honor. He added that such platforms not only highlight the bond of friendship between the two countries but also provide opportunities to share new ideas. He noted that poster and speech competitions enhance students’ creativity and confidence. Brig (r) Mansoor Saeed said that Pak-China friendship is based on trust and sustainability. He said that in 1951, Pakistan was the first country to recognize the sovereignty of China. He added that both countries have demonstrated true neighborliness and brotherhood by not interfering in each other’s internal affairs. He said that China has fully supported Pakistan in projects such as CPEC, the Belt and Road Initiative, as well as in defense and security. He further said that culture and agriculture have given new dimensions to bilateral relations. Khalid Taimur Akram said that Pak-China diplomatic relations are exemplary, and to highlight them, his organization has been working in collaboration with PU since 2018. He thanked the Chinese Embassy, PU, UMT, University of Sargodha, and University of Lahore for organizing the conference. He said that the conference would provide an opportunity to highlight 75 years of diplomatic relations through research papers, poster exhibitions, and speech competitions. Prof Dr Mahboob Hussain said that PU is playing an active role in further strengthening educational linkages between Pakistan and China. He said that the purpose of this platform was to create awareness among youth at the global level regarding the importance of culture, trade, education, people-to-people contacts, the BRI, and the CPEC project between Pakistan and China. He added that this conference would play an important role in enhancing institutional linkages. More than ten experts presented their research papers in three sessions of the conference.