On 20th March 2023 One-Day Conference, Book Exhibition and Student Competition on “Understanding China: Looking beyond the Horizon” was held. It was jointly organized by the Department of Political Science & International Relations, University of Punjab, Lahore and Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad in collaboration with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan.
The conference was aimed at understanding some of the most crucial aspects of China’s vision of a shared global community and its positive impact on the global economic, social, political and strategic system. It also aimed to develop an understanding of China’s role in the international community and appreciate its most vital junctions.
The conference successfully highlighted various aspects of China’s governance and successful policy implementation. It created an opportunity for young scholars and researchers to broaden their horizons and deepen their understanding of the concept of a Community with a Shared Future, BRI, CPEC and other initiatives by China.
The inaugural session of the conference was addressed by renowned experts, academicians and analysts. Chief guests of the conference were honourable Ambassador Javid Husain, Diplomat and Former Minister Deputy Ambassador in the Pakistan Embassy, Beijing and honourable Ambassador Masood Khalid, Diplomat and Former Ambassador of Pakistan to China, South Korea, and Malaysia.
Panellists of the session discussed multiple rhetorics of China’s foreign policy and its positive outcomes for both China and Pakistan. Speakers also highlighted best practices of the Chinese governance system that could be applied to Pakistan as well for favourable outcomes.
Panellists of the session included,
-Prof.Dr.Iram Khalid, Chairperson, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore
-Prof. Li Huailiang, Dean of the Institute for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing, China.
-Prof.Dr.RanaEijaz Ahmad, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore
-Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future, Islamabad
-Dr.Shabbir Ahmad Khan, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
The inaugural session was followed by a Working Session on “The Belt and Road Initiative in Aperture: Envisaging a Community with a Shared Future”. Panellists of the session discussed various aspects of the theme. Experts included,
-Prof.Dr.Rehana Saeed Hashmi Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore
– Dr. Ji Degiang, Professor of International Communication Studies, Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing, China
-Dr.Zainab Ahmed, Assistant Professor &Chairperson, Department of International Relations, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore
-Dr.Mubeen Adnan, Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore
-Dr.Gulshan Majeed Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore
-Dr. Zhang Sugqiu, Associate Professor of the Institute for a Community with Shared Future, Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing, China
The next Working Session of the conference was dedicated to the theme of Understanding the Political System of China: Looking into Chinese Governance and Political Functionality.
Panellists of this session shared their views on multiple aspects of this theme and discussed China’s successful governance and political system.
Panellists included,
-Ms. Laraib Fatima Hassan, Member Board of Experts, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future & students from the department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
-Mr. Basit Ali
-Ms. Ayesha Imtiaz
-Ms. ArbabShabbir
-Mr. Muhammad Ahmad Qasmi
The conference was concluded with a closing session addressed by notable academicians, experts and analysts. Panellists discussed the strategic avenues for China in the changing world and China’s New Silk Route, exploring the future of global connectivity.
Panellists included,
-Dr.Mehboob Hussain Department of History, University of the Punjab, Lahore
-Dr. Muhammad SharehQazi Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore
-Dr. Hassan Masood, Govt. College University
-Dr. Mariam Kamal Centre for South Asian Studies, University of the Punjab, Lahore
-Dr.Zille Huma Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore
-Dr.FauziaHadi Ali, Director Regional Integration Centre, University of the Punjab, Lahore.
Besides the conference, the department of Political Science also organised a project competition among students. Young scholars designed and displayed a number of interesting projects related to BRI, CPEC, Pakistan & China bilateral ties and related themes.
A thesis display was also organised in which students of Masters and MPhil displayed their research and thesis work. Attendees appreciated and acknowledged the efforts done by students and encouraged them.
The conference was attended by 200 attendees including students, academicians, scholars, experts, and practitioners.
