On 4 December, 2025, an international conference on “Bridging Horizons: Celebrating Pakistan-China Deep Rooted Friendship” jointly organized by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, in collabortaion with the Institute for a Community with Shared Future (ICSF), Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing, and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, was held at Bahria University, Islamabad.

A month ago, three competitions, an article-writing competition, a poster competition, and a speech competition, were announced within Bahria University Islamabad Campus to engage students in exploring the depth of Pakistan–China relations. The response was overwhelming, with more than 150 students participating and showcasing their creativity, intellect, and perspectives. At the culmination of these competitions, a grand international conference was organized, bringing together students, faculty, scholars, and experts from various fields. The conference featured four sessions, each designed to highlight various dimensions of Pakistan–China cooperation and to celebrate the outstanding contributions of the participating students.

The aim of the conference was to celebrate 75 years of Pak-China Iron Brotherhood and to engage Pakistani youth in celebrating and reflecting on the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China, fostering a deeper understanding of its political, economic, cultural, and regional significance.

The welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director of Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad, who emphasized the purpose of the conference and its role in celebrating the enduring Pakistan–China partnership. He highlighted the importance of meaningful youth engagement in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering deeper mutual understanding.

The opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. Adam Saud, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, who welcomed the participants and commended their enthusiastic involvement. He underscored the significance of academic platforms in deepening understanding of Pakistan–China relations and encouraging informed dialogue among students. Dr. Saud also appreciated the students’ active participation, noting that their ideas and creativity play a vital role in promoting the spirit of Pak–China friendship.

Professor Li Huailiang, Dean of the Institute for a Community with Shared Future (ICSF), Communication University of China (CUC), Beijing, joined the conference online and, in his address, referred to the youth as true ambassadors of friendship between Pakistan and China. He emphasized the significance of this international conference as a platform for strengthening mutual understanding and collaboration. Prof. Li highlighted that the active involvement of young people is essential for carrying forward the legacy of Pak–China friendship into the future.

Dr. Hina Shahid, Head of Arts and Media Department, Foundation University, Islamabad, speaking on the theme “Media and Art as Bridges of Understanding between Pakistan and China”,discussed how media and art serve as powerful tools for enhancing cultural understanding between Pakistan and China. She emphasized their role in strengthening people-to-people connections and highlighted the importance of youth-driven creative expression in promoting bilateral friendship.

Ms. Wu Jiahao, Chinese Scholar, in her talk “From Iron Brothers to Strategic Partners: The Future of Pakistan–China Relations in a Multipolar World,” highlighted the evolution of the bilateral relationship and its growing strategic significance. She emphasized the role of collaboration in a multipolar global landscape and the potential for deeper economic, political, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

Advocate Adil Aziz Qazi, Advocate Supreme Court of Pakistan and Former Vice Chairman of the Islamabad Bar Council, in his talk “Diplomacy in Action: Understanding the Pakistan–China Strategic Relationship,” highlighted the significance of diplomatic efforts in strengthening bilateral ties. He emphasized the strategic, political, and legal dimensions of the partnership and its impact on regional stability.

Barrister Zopash Khan, Co-Chair, The Society of Mediators, in his session “Integrating the Legal Framework for Connectivity through CPEC,” discussed the importance of legal structures in facilitating smooth implementation of CPEC projects. He emphasized how robust legal frameworks enhance cooperation, ensure transparency, and support sustainable regional connectivity between Pakistan and China.

Prof. Dr. Zafar Nawaz Jaspal, Meritorious Professor of International Relations and Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, the Guest of Honour, spoke on “Seven Decades of Friendship: The Evolution of Pakistan–China Diplomatic Relations.” He traced the historical roots of the Pak–China relationship, highlighting key milestones and the enduring trust that has shaped their diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnership over the decades.

Rear Admiral Naeem Sarwar SI(M) (Retd), Director General of Bahria University Islamabad Campus, graced the session as the Chief Guest, highlighting the strategic importance of Pakistan–China relations and appreciating initiatives that engage youth in strengthening this longstanding partnership.

The inaugural session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, followed by the distribution of souvenirs to all the keynote speakers in appreciation of their valuable contributions.

At the end of the inaugural session, the Chief Guest and the Guest of Honour inaugurated the poster competition on the theme “75th Anniversary of Pakistan-China Friendship” in which students displayed their artwork. 40 selected posters were displayed, out of which, 3 finest posters got selected for the prizes. The best posters were awarded shields in recognition of their outstanding contributions. The exhibition provided a vibrant platform for students to visually express their understanding of Pakistan–China relations, attracting appreciation from faculty, guests, and fellow students alike. It highlighted the role of creativity in promoting cultural and diplomatic awareness among the youth.

Following the poster competition, session 2, chaired by Prof. Dr. Adam Saud, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad, commenced, bringing together distinguished speakers to discuss various aspects of Pakistan–China friendship. The speakers included:

Mr. Muhmmad Asim Khan Nyazee, Former Project Director, Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Islamabad
Advocate Zaildar Ahsan Shah, Convener Foreign Relations Committee, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI)
Mr. Imran Bhatti, Geopolitical Expert, Member of Board of Experts at Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad
Dr. Hayyam Qayyoum, Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Media Studies, Bahria University, Islamabad
Ms. Fatima Tuz Zehra, Editor-in-Chief, The Gulf Observer, Member of Board of Experts at Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad
Mr. Wajahat Ali, Member of Board of Experts at Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad, Member of Centre for Alternative Perspectives.

Each speaker highlighted the historical, cultural, strategic, and economic dimensions of the bilateral relationship, emphasizing the deep-rooted trust and mutual respect between the two nations. They also underscored the importance of youth engagement, education, and creative expression in sustaining and strengthening this enduring partnership for future generations.

This session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers and seek insights on Pakistan–China relations. The session ended with the distribution of souvenirs to all speakers in appreciation of their valuable contributions.

Sessions 3 and 4 began simultaneously, providing a platform for the article writing competition winners to present their work, with four students presenting in each session. Session 3 was chaired by Prof. Dr. Majid Hussain, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and co-chaired and moderated by Ms. Yusra Binte Nisar, Research Assistant at Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF), Islamabad. Session 4 was chaired by Prof. Dr. Sadia Khanum, Clusterhead, Department of International Relations, Bahria University Islamabad Campus, and co-chaired and moderated by Ms. Mehmal Javed, Sr. HR Officer from LOLC Microfinance Bank. In both sessions, students showcased their research, insights, and perspectives on Pakistan–China relations, engaging the audience with thoughtful and well-articulated presentations. The participants of session 3 and 4 included:

Mir Chakar Khan Kurd, student of BS International Relations, Bahria University, Islamabad
Hamna Asim, student of BS International Relations, Bahria University, Islamabad
Umm e Habiba, student of BS International Relations, Bahria University, Islamabad
Zargham Abbas, student of BS International Relations, Bahria University, Islamabad
Hassa Momina, student of BS International Relations, Bahria University, Islamabad
Areej Rashid, student of BS International Relations, Bahria University, Islamabad
Hafiza Manzoor, student of BS International Relations, Bahria University, Islamabad
Areeba Urooj, student of BS International Relations, Bahria University, Islamabad

Both sessions concluded with the announcement of the winners of the speech competition, followed by the distribution of souvenirs to the session chairs, co-chairs, and the winning students in recognition of their contributions and efforts.

The conference was attended by nearly 500 students.