@CaptainBohemian Apparently there is a a formal agreement over visas and close diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. Given China is moving (again) to the centre of world's economy and overall attention, this attracts a lot of interests from related countries. I have also heard that modern job prospects in Pakistan, especially in academia, are not good. Yes, you will find many Pakistani in China pursuing degrees and trying to earn their metal.

On getting an impression, I must say there is a strong cultural clash. I have had a weird impression about them based on cold-call emails enquiring asking for job and supervision opportunities, co-authorships, recommendation letters, etc. This is not how we approach peers in my cultural sphere! That added to cheesy selfie pictures and loaded political posts on social media doesn't make up for a great impression. However all Pakistani I have met while in China were very friendly and helpful.

One of the best persons I have met while there is a full-fledged turban-yielding fella that looks and often behaves funny that wouldn't make the best impression around my family. Still, he's such a honest, hard-working, cultured mate you wouldn't expect. Cheers for diversity!