Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM) has signed a cooperation agreement with China’s Northwest A&F University (NWAFU), Yangling, to strengthen academic collaboration and research in rural revitalization.
The agreement was signed during the visit of a Chinese delegation to AWKUM under the China Scholarship Council’s (CSC) Special Program for Talent Cultivation in Rural Revitalization.
Under the agreement, AWKUM will host up to 11 graduate students from Northwest A&F University each year for three years. The arrangement will also accommodate two visiting scholars annually, bringing the total to six over the agreement’s term, with each scholar staying for up to 12 months.
Joint Research and Academic Supervision
The participating graduate students will be jointly supervised by faculty members from both universities. Each student will also have a joint advisory committee to support their academic and research activities.
The China Scholarship Council will cover international airfare and living allowances for the participating students and visiting scholars.
Both universities will also develop a joint implementation plan focusing on research and academic training in rural revitalization.
The cooperation agreement will remain in force until December 31, 2029.
AWKUM Leadership Welcomes Chinese Delegation
The signing ceremony was attended by AWKUM Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Jamil Ahmad, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) Dr. Tariq Mehmood, Professor Dr. Asad Ali and Dr. Zia ul Islam.
Professor Dr. Jamil Ahmad welcomed the visiting delegation and delivered a presentation highlighting AWKUM’s academic profile, research strengths and expanding partnerships with Chinese institutions.
The Chinese delegation expressed strong interest in future engagement with the university, while both sides agreed that the cooperation agreement would create new opportunities for academic and research collaboration.
Strengthening Pakistan-China Academic Ties
The agreement comes as Pakistan and China mark 75 years of diplomatic friendship, providing another opportunity to strengthen educational and institutional cooperation between the two countries.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the visiting guests were presented with university shields, traditional shawls and caps as a gesture of respect and Pashtun hospitality.
The partnership is expected to provide opportunities for academic exchange, joint research and capacity-building in the field of rural revitalization.