Chinese Consul General distributes scholarship cheques among GCU students

LAHORE: Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren on Friday distributed scholarship cheques among students of Government College University (GCU) Lahore at a special ceremony in the University’s Bukhari Auditorium. The event was also attended by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shazia Bashir.

The Chinese Consul General Scholarships, initiated a few months back by Zhao Shieen amounting to Rs2 million, were awarded to 66 students of GCU Lahore, including visually-impaired Muhammad Nihal Roshan. A large number of female students were also among the recipients.

The scholarships were specifically granted to students from the University's International Relations and Political Science departments. Prof Dr Shazia Bashir emphasised that the scholarships were awarded on merit to deserving students as well as to high-achievers.

‘China is a true friend of Pakistan and is committed to its progress,’ said Prof Dr Shazia Bashir, expressing heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese Consul General for his generosity.

During the ceremony, Consul General Zhao Shiren congratulated the students on Arshad Nadeem’s performance in the Olympics representing Pakistan and highlighted the beginning of a new era of bilateral cooperation following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit to China. He also announced that 1,000 Pakistani students would soon travel to China for training in agricultural technology, with more students expected to pursue education in artificial intelligence. The Consul General encouraged the scholarship recipients to work hard and think about what they can do for their country. The event also featured addresses by Ahmad Raza Khan, Head of the International Relations Department, and Dr Fouzia Ghani, Head of the Political Science Department.