Karachi's Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) recently became a hub for strategic dialogue by hosting a significant lecture focused on China's rising global stature. The event, titled "Why China - Importance of Sinology," featured insights from a seasoned diplomat and sparked discussions on the imperative for Pakistan to deepen its understanding of its key ally.
Diplomat Decodes China's Soft Power and Historical Wisdom
The keynote address was delivered by Syed Hasan Javed, a former Director of the Chinese Studies Centre at NUST and an ex-Ambassador to Germany, Singapore, and Mauritius. Drawing from his extensive diplomatic experience, Javed framed knowledge as the ultimate source of power. He invoked a famous saying, urging the audience, "Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China."
He elaborated that in the contemporary era, comprehending Chinese soft power is non-negotiable for growth, as it profoundly impacts daily life, business success, and governance. Javed provided historical context, noting China's 5,000-year-old civilization built on cultural and ethical values. He shared a poignant analogy: "Rulers are like a boat, and people are like water; the water can carry the boat or sink it," emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between leadership and the public, underpinned by discipline and kindness.
University Leadership Champions the Chinese Model of Progress
In his welcome remarks, Chancellor Muhammad Akbar Ali Khan of SSUET presented China as a paradigm of advancement. He highlighted its world-class achievements in industrial production, technology, and infrastructure, noting that Chinese firms are now among the planet's largest job creators.
He attributed China's ascent to the world's second-largest economy to effective state policies, modern technology adoption, and vigorous global trade engagement. Linking this to the university's ethos, the Chancellor recalled that its namesake, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, was a staunch advocate for technological progress. "Technology is crucial for opening new pathways to a brighter future for any nation," he asserted, challenging attendees to consider their own potential societal impact.
Fostering Innovation and Mutual Awareness for a Brighter Future
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Afzal Haq reinforced the core message, stressing the need to instill the concept of soft power in the youth. His call to action was clear: "We should go forward," identifying entrepreneurship and innovation as vital pathways to success.
The lecture attracted a distinguished gathering, including Registrar Cdre. (r) Syed Sarfraz Ali, Dean Prof. Dr. Mir Shabbar Ali, and numerous faculty members like Prof. Dr. Abrar ul Haq, Dr. Kashif Shaikh, and Dr. Muhammad Naseem. The event facilitated meaningful discourse on the future of education and the importance of strengthening Pakistan's multifaceted relationship with China, blending ideological vision with practical strategy for national development.
