In a recent recognition of international academic talent, a Pakistani scholar and his family have been granted China’s Foreign Permanent Resident ID Cards, widely known as the Five-Star Card, enabling them to pursue their research, teaching careers and personal growth with renewed stability and focus.

The scholar, Dr. Abdul Rauf, serves as a High Talent Expert, Instructor and Module Leader at the NUIST-Reading Academy, a collaborative program between Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST) and the University of Reading, UK.

The card was recommended by a national key development zone management authority in recognition of his contributions to both the Chinese and international academic communities, according to a Gwadar Pro's report on Thursday.

“China is very open, inclusive and encouraging to high talents for progress and making contributions to development for this whole world,” Dr. Rauf said, expressing particular appreciation for the collaborative spirit of Chinese academia, where international scholars are welcomed as partners in advancing knowledge.

Dr. Rauf’s journey in China began in 2015 when he was enrolled by Southeast University in Nanjing to pursue a PhD in finance.

His research focuses on energy economics, environmental economics and financial markets, with the mission of understanding market dynamics and predicting behavioral flows in these critical sectors.

Since joining NUIST, Dr. Rauf has distinguished himself as an outstanding educator, winning the First Prize in the Foreign Students’ Teaching Observation Competition of Jiangsu Universities.

Earlier this month, he was approved as a PhD and master’s supervisor in finance and management science and engineering at NUIST, where he is already co- supervising postgraduate students.

Dr. Rauf noted that the recognition has provided his family with a profound sense of security and belonging, allowing them to plan their future in China with confidence.

His wife, also from Pakistan, recently completed her PhD in Sociology at Hohai University. Their three children have also received Five-Star Cards.

The Five-Star Card functions as a legal identity document for eligible foreigners approved for permanent residency in China.

Holders can use it independently for a variety of daily activities, including purchasing train and airline tickets, opening bank accounts, and handling telecommunications and tax matters.

The card seamlessly integrates with major public service platforms such as WeChat, Alipay, Railway 12306 and the National Government Service Platform.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China