Ambassador Hashmi Urges Unity and Innovation at Pakistan-China Forum

Beijing — The Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing hosted the highly anticipated 2nd Pakistan Professionals & Students Forum 2025, under the theme “Mentorship: Learning from the Learned”, marking a major step forward in community engagement and professional development. The Forum gathered a dynamic mix of Pakistani industry leaders, students, academics, and entrepreneurs from across China, focused on strengthening community ties and exploring new employment opportunities under the high-quality development of CPEC Phase II.

A major highlight of the event was the official launch of the Embassy’s innovative Mentorship Program, designed to connect Pakistani students with seasoned professionals working across China. The program aims to cultivate a culture of knowledge-sharing, career guidance, and intergenerational support within the Pakistani community, laying the foundation for long-term personal and professional growth.

In a special video message, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, praised the Embassy’s visionary initiative. He emphasized the role of overseas Pakistanis in shaping Pakistan’s path toward sustainable development, highlighting education and mentorship as transformative tools. The Minister urged professionals and students alike to collaborate, share experiences, and work together in maximizing the opportunities arising from CPEC 2.0.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, also addressed the forum, describing it as a model of industry-academia synergy and intergenerational partnership. He outlined key youth empowerment initiatives of the government, including the Digital Youth Hub, Innovation Fund, and National Incubation Centers, aimed at equipping young Pakistanis with cutting-edge digital and entrepreneurial skills. Fatemi also shared the launch of a landmark scholarship program enabling 300 Pakistani agricultural professionals to receive hands-on training in China’s top universities, with the first batch soon arriving in Shaanxi Province.

Ambassador of Pakistan to China, Khalil Hashmi, in his welcome remarks, described the Forum as more than just an annual gathering—calling it a “reflection of the Pakistani community’s identity in China.” He highlighted the community’s values of hard work, shared vision, and win-win cooperation, and encouraged professionals to move beyond individual success to contribute towards collective advancement. Drawing inspiration from China’s mentorship culture, the Ambassador emphasized the importance of experience guiding aspiration and empowering the next generation.

He also noted major developments since the previous Forum, including the launch of the Yangling Agriculture Initiative, enhanced cooperation in space science and vocational training, and the redesign of the Embassy’s website to foster greater community feedback and engagement. Ambassador Hashmi stressed that CPEC Phase II presents new openings for Pakistani youth, and professionals must rise to the challenge of shaping a globally competitive generation.

The Forum featured two panel discussions on the employment potential under CPEC 2.0 and the practical aspects of mentoring future leaders. Distinguished panelists included experts from UNESCO, Renmin University, ZBRA, the China United National Procurement Promotion Association, and leading Pakistani academics and professionals. These discussions offered valuable insights into strategic career planning, skill-building, and creating sustainable mentorship models.

The event concluded with resounding appreciation from attendees, who applauded the Embassy’s efforts in fostering unity, opportunity, and a forward-looking vision for the Pakistani community in China. Participants expressed strong commitment to carrying forward the goals of the Forum and actively contributing to Pakistan’s progress through mentorship, collaboration, and innovation.