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Pakistan Studies/The China–Pakistan Earth Sciences Research Center was officially inaugurated in Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in scientific and technological cooperation between China and Pakistan. Jointly established by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC), the center aims to strengthen collaboration in earth sciences, climate change research, natural disaster prevention, and ecological protection.
The establishment of the center represents a new chapter in China–Pakistan cooperation in science and technology. By bringing together research institutions, universities, and experts from both countries, the center will conduct comprehensive studies on major environmental and geological challenges affecting the region, particularly along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Through advanced scientific research, technological innovation, and international cooperation, the center is expected to provide scientific support for sustainable development, disaster risk reduction, and infrastructure planning under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
The China–Pakistan Earth Sciences Research Center focuses on some of the most important challenges facing modern societies, including climate change, geological hazards, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation.
The China–Pakistan Economic Corridor passes through regions with complex geographical conditions, including mountains, glaciers, rivers, and areas vulnerable to earthquakes, landslides, floods, and other natural hazards. Understanding these environmental processes is essential for improving disaster preparedness and supporting sustainable regional development.
The center will promote cooperation in areas such as geological research, ecological protection, climate impact assessment, disaster monitoring, and risk management. Through scientific cooperation, researchers from both countries will work together to develop practical solutions that support communities and infrastructure development.
The inauguration ceremony was held in Islamabad with the participation of representatives from China and Pakistan’s scientific, educational, and governmental institutions.
The center was jointly inaugurated by Zhang Yaping, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Kausar Abdullah Malik, Pakistan’s Minister for National Food Security and Research; and Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission.
The ceremony was witnessed by Jiang Zaidong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Khalid Mahmood Khan, President of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences, and Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Rector of Quaid-i-Azam University, along with other representatives from academic and research communities.
The event highlighted the strong commitment of both countries to expanding cooperation in science, education, and innovation.
During the ceremony, Pakistani officials emphasized the importance of scientific cooperation in addressing climate change and improving disaster response capabilities.
Kausar Abdullah Malik noted that China’s achievements and experience in disaster prevention and mitigation provide valuable opportunities for Pakistan. Cooperation between the two countries can help strengthen Pakistan’s ability to respond to climate-related challenges and natural disasters.
He also highlighted the importance of developing scientific talent and establishing long-term mechanisms for researcher exchange and professional training. By expanding cooperation in science and technology, both countries can enhance their capacity to address environmental challenges and improve public safety.
Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission emphasized that scientists and researchers from China and Pakistan have already achieved meaningful cooperation in scientific innovation, education, and talent development.
In particular, Chinese scientific experts provided support and technical assistance during Pakistan’s severe flood disaster in 2022. This cooperation demonstrated the practical value of scientific collaboration in responding to major environmental challenges.
The establishment of the new research center is expected to further expand cooperation between universities and research institutions, creating more opportunities for joint research projects, academic exchanges, and professional training.
Representatives from the Chinese Academy of Sciences highlighted that the establishment of the China–Pakistan Earth Sciences Research Center reflects China’s commitment to strengthening international scientific cooperation.
Zhang Yaping stated that the center is an important initiative for advancing scientific cooperation related to the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Belt and Road Initiative. Through joint research and innovation, the center will help improve disaster risk management and support sustainable development.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences will continue working with Pakistani partners and international research organizations to explore solutions to common scientific challenges and maximize the center’s role as an international platform for earth sciences research.
During the inauguration event, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong introduced China’s vision and practices regarding green development under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Environmental sustainability has become an increasingly important aspect of international cooperation. Through scientific research, technological innovation, and ecological protection, China and Pakistan are working together to promote development that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.
The Earth Sciences Research Center will contribute to this goal by providing scientific knowledge and technical support for environmentally sustainable development.
Following the inauguration ceremony, the China–Pakistan Earth Sciences Research Center organized an international symposium on climate change and disaster risk.
More than 400 experts and scholars from countries including China, Pakistan, the United States, Germany, Sweden, and Nepal participated in academic discussions. Researchers exchanged views on topics related to climate change, disaster prevention, ecological protection, and sustainable development along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The conference provided an international platform for sharing scientific knowledge and exploring collaborative approaches to address global environmental challenges.
The headquarters of the China–Pakistan Earth Sciences Research Center is located in Islamabad. The Chinese supporting institution is the Institute of Mountain Hazards and Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, while the Pakistani partner institution is Quaid-i-Azam University.
Since the joint establishment initiative began in 2019, researchers from both countries have achieved important progress in several fields, including:
Research on natural disaster risks along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor;
Studies of geological structures and lithospheric processes in the region;
Research on the influence of westerly winds and monsoon systems on water resources;
Development of rapid weather disaster forecasting technologies;
Research programs related to the northern Indian Ocean and Makran region;
Comprehensive natural disaster risk assessment and disaster reduction strategies.
The center has also made progress in scientific planning, researcher training, academic exchanges, and international education programs.
The establishment of the China–Pakistan Earth Sciences Research Center demonstrates the expanding cooperation between the two countries in science and technology.
As climate change and environmental challenges become increasingly global issues, scientific cooperation provides an important foundation for sustainable development. By combining China’s research capabilities with Pakistan’s regional knowledge and scientific resources, the center will contribute to solving shared challenges.
Looking ahead, the center is expected to become an important international research platform, promoting innovation, developing scientific talent, and supporting environmentally sustainable development in Pakistan and the wider region.
