Officials predicted on Tuesday that by 2025, nearly 5 million Chinese nationals will be working in Pakistan, a sign of China’s expanding dominance in the country.
During an interview with The News International, a senior Pakistani public health expert said that the only way to meet the health needs of these workers is to improve collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese medical universities, research institutes, and biotechnological firms through the China Pakistan Health Corridor (CPHC).
Observers believe this is an attempt by Beijing to enlarge its footprint in Pakistan. During the interview, Vice-Chancellor Health Services Academy (HSA) Prof Dr Shahzad Ali Khan said, “We intend to teach Pakistani professionals in modern medical technology as well as traditional Chinese medicines, which is a therapy of choice for millions of people in China.”
“These professionals will not only meet the medical demands of visiting Chinese nationals, but also of Pakistanis who believe in complementary and alternative medicine,” Khan remarked.
