Lahore: In a significant enhancement of its educational support, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China at Lahore has announced the doubling of scholarship funds to PKR 1 million, benefiting the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (FoHSS) students at the University of Central Punjab. This increase introduces 20 additional scholarships, aimed at aiding both high-achieving and financially challenged students.

According to University of Central Punjab, the scholarships have been divided into 14 merit-based and 6 need-based awards, each valued at PKR 50,000. This development follows a series of engagements and promises made by the Consul General, reflecting a growing commitment to fostering educational opportunities and collaboration between China and Pakistan.

The initiative builds on the previous year’s efforts, where ten scholarships were distributed following a visit by Prof. Dr. Khalid Manzoor Butt to the Chinese Consulate. The recent increase was announced during a scholarship distribution ceremony attended by Mr. Zhao Shiren, the current Consul General, who reaffirmed his promise to bolster the scholarship fund.

Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Khalid Manzoor Butt was honored with the “Friendship Award 2023” by the Consulate General for his pivotal role in advancing educational ties between the two countries. These efforts are part of a broader push to enhance academic collaboration and cultural exchange, which continues to benefit a growing number of students in Pakistan.