Chinese Professor Zhang Xiaoping visits Confucius Institute at University of Karachi

Karachi: Professor Zhang Xiaoping, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi (CIUK), visited the campus on Wednesday afternoon during a short trip to Karachi.

During his visit, he met with the KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, as well as the registrar, deans, chairpersons, directors, faculty members, and students at the Multipurpose Hall of KU’s Hussain Ebrahim Jamal (HEJ) Research Institute .

In his address, Professor Zhang highlighted the CIUK’s role as a vital center for cultural exchange and academic collaboration, enhancing the understanding between Pakistan and China.

He acknowledged the unwavering support from both the University of Karachi and Sichuan Normal University in achieving this success.

Reflecting on his tenure, Professor Zhang stated, “The three years I spent working at the Confucius Institute here at the University of Karachi have given me lasting friendships and best memories, and Karachi has truly become like a second home to me.” He noted that over the past two years, the CIUK has resumed its programs and attracted more students to learn Chinese, bolstering confidence and commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.

Professor Zhang praised the Pakistani teachers at the CIUK, describing them as the backbone of the institute who play a crucial role in promoting the Chinese language, especially in the absence of Chinese teachers. He added that although Chinese teachers are not physically present, they are available online to support students and the CIUK.

He also commended the leadership and vision of KU Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Iraqi, which have been instrumental in the success of the Confucius Institute. “It is through your guidance and commitment to fostering international collaboration that we have been able to bridge cultures and promote mutual understanding between our countries,” said Professor Zhang.

KU Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalid Iraqi emphasized that the primary objective of the Confucius Institute is to introduce and promote the Chinese language among students. He highlighted China’s emergence as a major global economy and its significant role in science and technology, asserting that understanding the Chinese language and culture would benefit KU’s students.

Dr. Iraqi pointed out the importance of learning from other countries’ experiences and implementing beneficial policies and practices in Pakistan. He stressed the need for Pakistan to connect with the rest of the world through language and cultural exchange, acknowledging the strong and ideal relationship between Pakistan and China.

Earlier, CIUK Director Professor Dr. Muhammad Nasiruddin Khan lauded Professor Zhang as a dedicated, hardworking individual, and an exemplary human being.

He credited Professor Zhang with expanding the partnerships of Sichuan Normal University from two Confucius Institutes to four, including new establishments in Djibouti, the Czech Republic, and soon in Kazakhstan.

Dr. Nasir Khan noted that CIUK stands out globally as a unique example, utilizing a hybrid teaching model with both local and Chinese faculty. He reported that CIUK engages eight local Chinese teachers, six professors from SNU, and over 20 volunteer Chinese teachers for online classes, teaching more than 3,000 students annually across various sites.