On 10th June 2025, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) participated as a speaker in the Roundtable discussion on “Celebrating the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations” organized by Embassy of People’s Republic of China at Islamabad.
The Roundtable discussion was chaired by His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Jiang warmly welcomed the participants and highlighted the deep cultural connections between the two nations, particularly through the ancient Gandhara civilization, which he described as a symbol of shared heritage and enduring friendship. He emphasized the continued relevance of cultural exchange in today’s world and praised the efforts of institutions working to strengthen China-Pakistan relations. The Ambassador also discussed China’s Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), explaining how it complements the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI) in promoting a multipolar world order, human progress, and global harmony.
Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram delivered a speech during the event, elaborating on the historical connections between Chinese and Pakistani civilizations. He underscored the role of cultural and academic exchanges in fostering stronger bilateral relations. Mr. Akram also discussed how modern initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) contribute to deeper connectivity beyond just economic benefits. He advocated for increased collaboration between think tanks and academic institutions to further the vision of a shared future for mankind.
The roundtable featured a diverse panel of speakers who provided valuable insights from their respective fields. Dr. Hassan Daud Butt, Senior Associate Professor at Bahria University Islamabad and Senior Advisor at the China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC), Pakistan, spoke about energy cooperation as a bridge for civilizational dialogue, linking infrastructure projects with cultural exchange. Prof. Dr. Zafar Jaspal, Dean of the School of Politics and International Relations at Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, analyzed the role of diplomacy in fostering civilizational harmony within a multipolar world.
The roundtable discussion was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including scholars, diplomats, researchers and media representatives. The interactive nature of the discussion allowed for meaningful exchanges on enhancing mutual understanding between China and Pakistan.
