Pakistan Requests 10,000 PhD Scholarships From China

With nearly 37% of Pakistan’s youth neither working nor studying, the government has proposed that China grant 10,000 PhD scholarships to Pakistani students at the top 25 Chinese universities.

The initiative aims to train young people in emerging technologies and support the country’s economic modernization under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal told media reporters that the proposal was presented to Chinese officials during the latest Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting. He said China had shown interest and requested further details.

Under the plan, Pakistan seeks scholarships in fields such as artificial intelligence, engineering, and advanced sciences over the next decade. The scholarships would strengthen the “softer” side of CPEC by building human capital for a knowledge-driven economy, Iqbal added.

A separate proposal calls for vocational training programmes, youth innovation centres, and internships in Chinese companies to equip Pakistan’s youth with skills in technology, industry, and green growth.

The World Bank, in its recent report, highlighted that 37% of Pakistanis aged 15–24 are not employed or enrolled in education or training, with higher rates among women and the urban poor. It warned that persistent skill gaps and poor education quality could deepen social and economic inequality.

Pakistan and China have also agreed to expand cooperation in ICT, cybersecurity, spectrum management, and human resource development, as well as promote positive awareness of CPEC projects.

To address weak project development capacity, Pakistan has proposed hiring foreign consultants, with a Rs5.4 billion plan currently under review by the Central Development Working Party (CDWP). The Planning Ministry said the consultancy would help ensure policies and projects meet international standards.