China and Pakistan Establish Five New Disaster Research Centers
China and Pakistan have taken a major step forward in their scientific collaboration by launching five new joint research sub-centers dedicated to disaster prevention and resilient infrastructure. This initiative, part of the China-Pakistan Belt and Road Joint Laboratory on Smart Disaster Prevention of Major Infrastructures, aims to strengthen regional capacity in managing natural disasters and mitigating their impact on key development projects.
The sub-centers, established at leading Pakistani engineering universities including NUST, UET Lahore, NED Karachi, BUITEMS Quetta, and UET Peshawar, will serve as specialized hubs for research and innovation in earthquake engineering, flood control, structural monitoring, and climate-resilient infrastructure. By combining expertise from both countries, these institutions are set to become the backbone of Pakistan’s national disaster preparedness framework.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
The collaboration gained momentum during the recent visit of a seven-member Chinese delegation led by Professor Chen Zhongfan of Southeast University. Meetings with senior Pakistani officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Science and Technology and the National Disaster Management Authority, reinforced the shared commitment to advancing scientific exchange and capacity building. Both nations emphasized the significance of the joint laboratory in protecting vital infrastructure projects, particularly those connected to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Unveiling ceremonies at NUST and UET Peshawar highlighted the growing emphasis on innovation-driven cooperation. The event at UET Peshawar coincided with the 3rd International Conference on Climate Resilient Infrastructure and Disaster Management, where experts from both sides presented groundbreaking research and future strategies for climate adaptation.
Approved by China’s Ministry of Science and Technology under the Belt and Road Innovation Cooperation framework, this initiative demonstrates a unified approach toward sustainable development. The newly launched research centers are expected to translate scientific knowledge into real-world solutions, advancing disaster resilience and promoting long-term regional stability.