Peshawar to get Confucius Institute soon
Confucius Institute will be established in Academic Block Peshawar University. [Photo/CSC].
By Tahir Ali
PESHAWAR: To get full benefits from CPEC and its projects, the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made all preparations to establish Confucius Institute (CI) in University of Peshawar. The center will offer Chinese language and culture courses to the students of the province.
Talking to Gwadarpro, Director China Study Centre (CSC) Peshawar Professor Dr. Zahid Anwar said that University of Peshawar has signed a MOU with Northwest University Shiyan China and both universities have submitted an application to headquarters of Confucius Institute in Hanban Beijing to set up CI in Peshawar. “We have also submitted an application to the Embassy of China,” he said and added “The big hurdle is Covid-19; as it subsides soon CI will be established in Peshawar”.
According Dr. Zahid Anwar, initially the Confucius Institute will be set up at the building of CSC in University of Peshawar. CSC will provide classrooms and offices to the faculty of CI while a house in the campus will provide them accommodation.
Later both sides will decide about building a separate building for the institute. “Native Chinese speakers will teach Mandarin to students of KP,” Mr. Anwar said and he added that the CI would offer language courses from HSK level one to the last HSK level.
Dr. Zahid Anwar receiving gift of Confucius’ Analects written on pure silk. [Photo/ Facebook]
Dr. Zahid CPEC said that CPEC is an important project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and a symbol of China Pakistan friendship. Both countries will further unite as people on both sides learn each other’s languages and cultures. CI will provide an opportunity to the students of this region to learn about Chinese culture and language. “To get white-collar jobs in CPEC projects, Pakistani students must learn Chinese language besides acquiring professional degrees,” he said.
Muhammad Salim, a student from Hayatabad Peshawar, said CI should be established at the earliest as more and more students want to learn Chinese language for jobs in CPEC-related projects. “ CI will also help cement Pak-China relations,” he told Gwadarpro.
Ahmad Zeshan, another student, wants to learn Mandarin for his import and export business. “My father wants me to learn Chinese which will help me interact with Chinese businessmen,” he said.
Regarding CPEC projects and connectivity, KP province is strategically important, as the province creates a link between China, Afghanistan and Central Asian states. Rashakai Special Economic Zone, a flagship project is under construction in Nowshera, adjacent to the district of Peshawar while the Government of KP has also proposed the inclusion of Mohmand Marble City and Draban Economic Zone into CPEC. These projects would create thousands of jobs in the province; however, those who are fluent in the Chinese language and having professional degrees would have an advantage over others.
