ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government seeks 10000 PhD scholarships in China. The government has proposed that China offer 10,000 PhD scholarships to Pakistani students in its leading universities. The initiative seeks to prepare young Pakistanis for roles in emerging disciplines and support the modernization of the national economy.
Proposal Presented to Chinese Officials
Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said that the proposal was presented during a recent China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting. He confirmed that the Chinese authorities showed interest and requested further details.
According to the plan, Pakistan has asked China to allocate 10,000 PhD scholarships over the next ten years in fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, and emerging sciences. Iqbal said the goal is to build a knowledge-based workforce capable of driving sustainable growth and innovation.
Youth Unemployment and Education Crisis
A recent World Bank report revealed that 37% of Pakistanis aged 15–24 are not in employment, education, or training (NEET). The share is higher in urban areas (39%) and significantly higher among women than men. The report attributes this crisis to demographic pressures, weak labor demand, and a skills mismatch.
It warned that rising NEET rates among youth from low-income households threaten social mobility and long-term stability. The report also noted that macroeconomic instability, climate disasters, and political turbulence have made Pakistan’s growth model increasingly fragile.
Strengthening CPEC’s Soft Component
Minister Iqbal said the proposal aims to strengthen the “softer side” of CPEC, shifting its focus from infrastructure to human capital development. “These scholarships will train people in modern fields critical for the economy’s modernization,” he said.
He added that another proposal seeks to launch vocational training programs, youth innovation centers, and internships in Chinese enterprises. These initiatives aim to equip Pakistani youth with skills in advanced technologies, industrial innovation, and green growth under CPEC 2.0.
Education Gaps Highlighted
The World Bank also highlighted Pakistan’s learning poverty crisis, noting that 78% of ten-year-olds cannot read or understand a simple text. Roughly one in four primary-aged children remains out of school, while teaching quality and teacher attendance continue to pose major challenges.
The report emphasized that education quality in Pakistan lags behind regional peers, with improvements largely driven by private schooling, while low-income families remain dependent on underfunded public schools.
