The University of Karachi (KU) has proposed establishing a Pakistan-China Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity to expand cooperation between the two countries in advanced technology, scientific research and higher education. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between KU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Wasim Qazi and Chinese Acting Consul General Feng Deheng at the Chinese Consulate General in Karachi. The discussions focused on developing practical academic partnerships through joint research projects, technological innovation, faculty and student exchange programmes, and institutional cooperation. The proposed centre would create a platform for researchers and students from Pakistan and China to work together on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, two fields that are increasingly important for digital development, data protection and technology-led research. The initiative also comes as Pakistan and China approach the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, while the University of Karachi prepares to mark its own 75th anniversary. During the meeting, Dr Qazi emphasised that these milestones should lead to tangible academic, scientific and cultural outcomes rather than remain symbolic occasions.
The proposed centre is expected to support collaborative research, advanced technological development, student training and faculty capacity-building. Although detailed plans, funding arrangements and an establishment timeline have not yet been announced, the proposal reflects KU’s interest in expanding its role in emerging technology research and developing closer links with Chinese universities. Artificial intelligence can support research and practical applications across sectors, while cybersecurity expertise is increasingly relevant as organisations and public institutions rely more heavily on digital systems. A joint academic facility could provide opportunities for researchers to exchange knowledge, explore technical challenges and develop professional skills. The meeting also covered cooperation in several other research areas, including agriculture, biotechnology, food technology, the maritime economy, energy, pharmacy, microbiology and sociology. These fields could provide opportunities for interdisciplinary projects involving researchers from different academic backgrounds. The participants also discussed faculty development, student mobility and professional training as potential ways to broaden cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese institutions.
Alongside the technology centre, KU proposed establishing a Pakistan-China Museum to preserve and present the shared historical and cultural heritage of the two countries. The proposed museum would house historical records, academic resources, important documents and cultural artefacts, creating a space for educational activities and greater public understanding of bilateral relations. A separate proposal called for a Hall of Fame to recognise individuals who have made notable contributions to education and scholarship. These initiatives would complement the university’s existing academic engagement with China, including the work of its Confucius Institute. The Chinese Consul General appreciated the university’s contribution to educational cooperation and expressed interest in expanding academic ties between Pakistani and Chinese universities. The discussions also considered extending cultural and institutional engagement beyond language teaching to include research collaboration, academic activities and wider people-to-people exchanges. Together, the proposals indicate that the potential partnership is intended to cover technology, research, education and cultural preservation rather than focus on a single area.
Dr Qazi has reaffirmed his commitment to translating the proposals into practical initiatives, joint research programmes and formal institutional agreements. He plans to visit China in November 2026 to meet representatives of leading Chinese universities and explore possible agreements covering scientific research, modern technology, academic exchanges and institutional collaboration. The visit could provide an opportunity to discuss implementation arrangements for the proposed centre and other initiatives, although no agreements or launch dates have been confirmed publicly. For Pakistan’s technology and higher education sectors, sustained cooperation between universities can provide opportunities to share expertise, develop research capacity and prepare students for emerging technical fields. The proposed AI and cybersecurity centre would be a university-level initiative, with its eventual impact depending on the resources committed, the research agenda established and the partnerships formed with Chinese institutions. Further details about its structure, participating universities, facilities and research programmes are expected to become clearer if the discussions progress into formal agreements.
Follow the SPIN IDG WhatsApp Channel for updates across the Smart Pakistan Insights Network covering all of Pakistan’s technology ecosystem.
