Dr. Zahid Khan and his Chinese professor Dr. Shajidan Abududeyimu

URUMQI, April 24 (China Economic Net) - A rising number of Pakistani students are choosing China for medical education, drawn by world-class facilities, supportive policies and deepening academic cooperation between China and Pakistan. Zahid Khan, a cardiology postgraduate student at Xinjiang Medical University, is a vivid example of this life-changing journey.

"Everything here, the laboratories, hospitals, and professors, is truly fantastic," Khan shared in an interview with China Economic Net.

Khan first came to Xinjiang in 2013 to begin his undergraduate studies. After graduation, he worked in Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic and later returned to China for advanced postgraduate training.

Khan is part of a large and growing community: nearly 29,000 Pakistani students are currently studying across China, and medicine remains the most popular field by far, accounting for 45% of the group.

As heart disease becomes increasingly common worldwide and in Pakistan, more students choose cardiology and clinical medicine to meet growing health care needs.

Chinese hospitals provide systematic clinical training, full access to modern diagnostic tools, and consistent mentorship, advantages that directly strengthen students’ professional competence. “Whatever you need for your research, they provide more than you expect,” Khan said.

With sufficient resources and guidance, he has completed academic papers and thesis work independently.

At the affiliated hospital of the university, Khan joins daily ward rounds, collaborates with his Chinese professors, and engages with patient care.

Though the work is intense, especially in cardiology, where patients often face critical conditions, the experience has shaped him into a more resilient and compassionate clinician. "You become stronger over time,” he said. “When you are in this field, you learn how to handle pressure and focus on helping patients."

Financial considerations also play a part. Scholarships, often covering tuition, accommodation and living expenses, have lowered barriers to entry, especially for postgraduate study.

These incentives sit within a wider framework of bilateral engagement, including initiatives such as the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor, which has deepened ties not only in infrastructure but also in education.

If China’s medical system offers professional advantages, Xinjiang provides something less tangible but equally important: familiarity.

“Life here feels just like home,” he said. “People are warm and kind, the food suits us perfectly, and I always feel comfortable and welcome.”

Khan has built close friendships with Chinese and international classmates and travels widely during vacations. Although he has visited Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and other major cities, Xinjiang remains his favorite place in China.

After completing his PhD, Khan plans to return to Pakistan to serve local communities and contribute to health care development.

“I want to go back and help people in need,” he said. “Many cannot afford expensive treatment, and I want to make a real difference in their lives.”

Khan offered sincere advice to Pakistani youth considering medical study in China.

“Study hard,” he emphasized. Passing Pakistan’s medical licensing examination is key to a successful career, and solid training in China makes it possible to pass on the first attempt.

As educational and people-to-people bonds between China and Pakistan continue to strengthen, stories like Zahid Khan’s shine a light on why China has become the top destination for Pakistani medical students. They come for professional excellence; they stay for the friendship; and they return home with knowledge, gratitude, and a mission to heal and serve.