University of Karachi proposes Pakistan-China Center for AI and Cybersecurity

What happened

Professor Dr Wasim Qazi, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Karachi (KU), met with the Chinese Consul General, Feng Deheng, in Karachi to discuss academic and scientific cooperation [1, 2]. During this meeting, several initiatives were proposed to strengthen ties between Pakistan and China in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, higher education, and scientific research [1].

Key proposals discussed include:

• The establishment of a Pakistan–China Center for AI and Cybersecurity at KU. Vice Chancellor Qazi noted that a building is already available at the university for this purpose [2].
• The creation of a Pakistan–China Museum at KU to preserve historical heritage, academic resources, cultural artifacts, and collections such as botanical and zoological specimens [1, 2].
• The establishment of a special Hall of Fame to honor individuals for contributions to scholarship and education [1].
• Expanding the role of the Confucius Institute at KU to include Chinese culture, academic engagement, and institutional partnerships beyond language instruction [2].
• Launching joint research programs in several fields, including agriculture, biotechnology, food technology, the maritime/ocean economy, energy, pharmacy, microbiology, and sociology [1, 2].

Consul General Feng Deheng expressed interest in the AI and cybersecurity center, stating it could serve as a platform for student training, faculty development, and collaborative research [1]. He also noted China’s willingness to expand cooperation in academic exchanges and Chinese language teaching [2].

Professor Dr Wasim Qazi stated that the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–China diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of the University of Karachi should be used to create tangible academic and scientific achievements [1]. He committed to turning these proposals into formal institutional agreements and actionable projects [1]. To advance these goals, the Vice Chancellor plans to visit China in November 2026 to meet with representatives from leading Chinese universities [1].

In a separate meeting involving the University of Turbat, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan met with various academic leaders and HEC officials in Karachi, including KU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Waseem Qazi, to discuss strategic partnerships in IT, AI, and paramedical education [3].