Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday lauded China for its consistent and valuable support to Pakistan. He especially praised China’s significant role in helping Pakistan navigate the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
While addressing the Agricultural Scholarship Program ceremony in Islamabad, the Prime Minister expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chinese government. He said China had supported Pakistan at every critical moment.
Sharif highlighted that agricultural graduates from across Pakistan have been selected purely on merit to study in China. These students will pursue higher education in agriculture. “Pakistan stands to gain immensely from their experiences in China,” he said. He also thanked the Chinese government for offering generous scholarships to Pakistani students.
The Prime Minister recalled visiting an Agricultural University in China. He said the research and innovations there deeply moved him. “It left a strong impression,” he added. That visit became the foundation of this Agricultural Scholarship Program.
Sharif believes these young scholars will become a vital link between Beijing and Islamabad. They will help build stronger connections between the two nations.
He emphasized the importance of youth in Pakistan’s growth. The selection process, he assured, was transparent and entirely merit-based. Students were chosen from all provinces, including Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan.
Keeping in view Balochistan’s challenges, the quota for the province has been increased by over 10 percent. This decision aims to ensure fairness and equal opportunity.
The Agricultural Scholarship Program, according to Sharif, is a milestone for Pakistan’s future. He said empowering youth is the key to progress. “We must revive our research centers, enhance our universities, and send our youth to the fields,” he stressed.
He told the selected students, “I hope you work hard and bring pride to Pakistan.” The Prime Minister declared the nation’s hopes are with them. “Today, you leave for China—our closest friend. The nation looks to you for answers and action,” he said.
Sharif encouraged the students to explore other paths beyond government jobs. “Yes, you can consider government work,” he said, “but why not return to your roots? Start agricultural ventures in your own villages.”
He promised full support to students who choose entrepreneurship. Subsidized loans, technical support, and help with exports will be provided to those aiming to add value to agriculture.
The Agricultural Scholarship Program focuses on training aligned with climate change challenges. Sharif noted that China’s agricultural innovations and development will benefit Pakistani students.
He shared that during his visit to China, he toured an agricultural university in President Xi Jinping’s hometown. The modern facilities inspired him to take action. “Right then, I decided to send 1,000 students to China,” he revealed. “And I’m grateful that President Xi approved this plan.”
The Prime Minister said the program will help bring China’s modern farming practices to Pakistan. “Our students will learn and return to transform Pakistan’s agriculture sector,” he said.
Sharif underlined that the government is committed to building capacity in agriculture. He pointed out that unlike the past, these training opportunities are now being given to young people, not senior officials. “There’s nothing wrong with older officers learning,” he said. “But the future lies with our youth.”
The student delegation includes representatives from all regions, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir. When asked about the selection process, the students applauded. Their reaction reflected confidence in the fairness of the program.
Sharif added that increasing Balochistan’s quota by 10 percent continues a tradition he began as Punjab’s Chief Minister. “Pakistan belongs to all of us,” he concluded. “We must build it together.”
