Collaboration in the scientific and technological arena has appeared as a preeminent feature of Sino-Pak bilateral ties. The scope of this partnership ranges from nuclear cooperation to space exploration. This insight explores various dimensions of the Sino-Pak collaboration in science and technology (S&T), underscoring its history, existing endeavours, and prospects.

Sino-Pak tech diplomacy started in 1963; however, nuclear cooperation in 1986 gave it a new facet. The Strategic Partnership between China and Pakistan, founded on mutual trust and strategic interests, flourished over the decades. China and Pakistan cooperate in various domains of S&T, including information technology (IT), artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, defence technology, GPS systems, and space technology.

Since 2011, Sino-Pak cooperation in the S&T sector has been termed exemplary. Pakistan is China’s strongest research partner in South Asia and is among the top ten BRI countries. Over 25,000 Pakistani students are enrolled in Chinese universities, with more than 1,000 postdoctoral students and scientists.

(Source: Nature Index 2024)

Sino-Pak cooperation in IT further facilitates achieving the ideal of a digital Pakistan. China is helping in the successful launch of 5G technology in Pakistan. China and Pakistan have also successfully established a fibre optical cable worth 44 million USD between Khunjerab Pass and Rawalpindi. It covers an area of 820 kilometres and has boosted Pakistan’s telecom and ICT industry. Consequent to smooth internet service, Pakistan’s growth rate in the IT sector has been 81% since 2019.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is another burgeoning area of Sino-Pak cooperation. Chinese are facilitating Pakistan in building safe and smart cities........

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