Centre for Chinese Legal Studies at LUMS

What Centre for Chinese Legal Studies at LUMS does

The Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (CCLS), formally the Parvez Hassan Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (PHCCLS), is an academic research and education centre at the Shaikh Ahmad Hassan School of Law (SAHSOL), Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), in Lahore, Pakistan. Founded in October 2019 through a Memorandum of Understanding with Wuhan University's School of Law, it is Pakistan's first dedicated centre for Chinese legal studies, with a stated mission to build capacity among Pakistani academics, legal and business professionals, students, and policymakers on the Chinese legal system and Pakistan-China economic cooperation, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative.

The centre's core 'products' are educational courses and research outputs rather than commercial software. Its academic portfolio includes credited courses (Introduction to Chinese Law, Introduction to Chinese Business Law, Advanced Topics in Chinese Law, China and Global Governance), Chinese language and HSK preparation courses, a Chinese Bridge Summer Camp, a Virtual Internship Programme (17 interns selected from over 100 applicants in 2021), an Executive Course on Chinese Law, the CCLS Talk Series, and recurring publications including the CCLS Bulletin (six issues), Working Papers, and Articles. In 2025, it co-established the Asian Coalition of Co-Riparians (ACoC) with the Research Society for International Law (RSIL), expanding into transboundary water governance. Annual outputs include events such as the Annual Working Paper Series 2026 on 'CPEC at the Crossroads'.

The business model is non-commercial: CCLS operates as a department within LUMS and does not sell products or services. Courses, events, and publications are delivered free of direct charge to students and institutional stakeholders, with funding and operational support provided by LUMS, the Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan, and partner institutions. The centre monetizes its position indirectly via institutional prestige, government and diplomatic engagement (including with the Chinese Consulate General in Lahore), and contribution to LUMS's academic mission. Customer segments are horizontal: LUMS students, Pakistani legal and business professionals, government officials and diplomats, and the international academic community. Headcount is approximately five personnel, led by Director Dr. Sikander Ahmad Shah with founding support from Dr. Parvez Hassan (LUMS Board of Trustees).

Name

Centre for Chinese Legal Studies at LUMS

Legal name

Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (CCLS) at Lahore University of Management Sciences

Website

https://ccls.lums.edu.pk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Centre for Chinese Legal Studies at LUMS is Pakistan's first dedicated academic centre for Chinese legal studies, offering credited courses, executive training, research publications, and policy programmes to Pakistani students, legal professionals, and government stakeholders within the SAHSOL, LUMS ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Legal Education and Academic Research Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Law School Research Centers & Institutes (e.g., Law & Economics, Human Rights) (EDAHAIAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Law & Legal Studies Research Universities (EDAHABAF), Law & Legal Studies Scholarly Publishing (EDAGAFAG), Legal & Compliance (CLE, Paralegal CE) (EDAAALAB)

Keywords

• Chinese legal studies
• Academic research centre
• Legal education programmes
• Policy research publishing
• Executive training seminars

Headquarters

HQ city

Lahore

HQ country

Pakistan

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Centre for Chinese Legal Studies at LUMS is a university-based academic research and teaching centre that delivers credited and non-credited courses on Chinese law, Chinese language instruction (HSK preparation), and Chinese Bridge cultural programmes. It conducts and publishes academic research on Chinese legal frameworks, CPEC, the Belt and Road Initiative, and transboundary water governance, and convenes seminars, workshops, conferences, and a virtual internship programme for students, legal professionals, business professionals, and government stakeholders in Pakistan.

Product overview

The Parvez Hassan Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (PHCCLS) is an academic research and educational centre at LUMS, not a technology product company. The centre offers a portfolio of educational products and programmes: (1) Chinese Language Courses (HSK Level 1 & 2) providing Mandarin instruction; (2) Academic credit courses on Chinese Law including Introduction to Chinese Law, Introduction to Chinese Business Law, Advanced Topics in Chinese Law, and China and Global Governance; (3) Non-credit Executive Courses and Chinese Bridge Summer Camp for broader audiences; (4) Virtual Internship Programme for students; (5) CCLS Talk Series featuring expert lectures; (6) Research publications including Working Papers, Bulletin, and Articles on Chinese legal studies and Pakistan-China relations; and (7) The Asian Coalition of Co-Riparians (ACoC) initiative on transboundary water governance. The centre serves as Pakistan's premier hub for Chinese legal studies, promoting capacity-building for academics, legal professionals, and students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Asian Coalition of Co-Riparians (ACoC): A regional platform dedicated to advancing rigorous research, policy dialogue, and institutional capacity on transboundary water governance across Asia, established in collaboration with the Research Society for International Law (RSIL).

Products and services

• Chinese Language Courses (HSK Level 1 & 2) Comprehensive Mandarin Chinese language courses covering basic vocabulary, essential grammar structures, and practical communication skills, including HSK-Test preparation for Chinese proficiency certification, offered at LUMS.
• Advanced Topics in Chinese Law Advanced credited course exploring law and anthropology to study the procedural aspects of domestic and cross-border commercial dispute resolution, offered to LUMS law students.
• Introduction to Chinese Law Credited course covering different aspects of Chinese law including Environmental, Constitutional, and Commercial Law, providing understanding of China's economy and business regime, for LUMS law students.
• Introduction to Chinese Business Law Seminar course on the legal aspects of doing business in China and Chinese companies operating abroad, covering the regulatory landscape for foreign direct investment and legal requirements, offered to LUMS law students.
• China and Global Governance Credited academic course examining the evolving dynamics within the international system with a focus on China's role and impact on global governance, offered to LUMS students.
• Chinese Bridge Summer Camp Mandarin language classes for beginners aged 14-30 to enhance proficiency in Chinese language as part of a cultural exchange programme.
• Executive Course on Chinese Law Executive training programme for legal and business professionals on the Chinese legal system and business law framework relevant to Pakistan-China cooperation.
• Virtual Internship Programme Four-week virtual internship programme providing research experience on China-Pakistan relations, CPEC, BRI, and Chinese legal studies for selected students.
• CCLS Talk Series Lecture series featuring expert speakers on topics including CPEC, BRI, international law, trade, and regional cooperation, open to students, faculty, and external participants.
• CCLS Working Papers Research papers covering topics including CPEC governance, dispute resolution mechanisms, cross-border data flows, and regional economic cooperation.
• CCLS Bulletin Periodic bulletin publications documenting the centre's activities, events, and research highlights.
• CCLS Articles Articles by CCLS researchers on topics including health security, COVID-19 response, national security, and legal frameworks.
• Asian Coalition of Co-Riparians (ACoC) Regional platform dedicated to advancing research, policy dialogue, and institutional capacity on transboundary water governance across Asia, headquartered at PHCCLS and operated in collaboration with the Research Society for International Law (RSIL).

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Research Society for International Law (RSIL)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025PHCCLS at SAHSOL, LUMS collaborates with RSIL to establish the Asian Coalition of Co-Riparians (ACoC), a regional platform dedicated to advancing rigorous research, policy dialogue, and institutional capacity on transboundary water governance across Asia. The partnership operates through a structured governance framework with advisory council representation.
• Tianjin UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025CCLS is building academic bridges with Tianjin University, including joint presentations at the Annual Working Paper Series 2026 where Professor Sixuan Lyu from Tianjin University Law School presented on foreign-related legal talent cultivation, and Liu Shaohua from Tianjin College presented on technology transfer under CPEC.
• Cornell University School of LawminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025CCLS explores academic collaboration with Cornell University, including Dr. Sikander Ahmed Shah delivering lectures at Cornell University School of Law and discussions on potential joint academic initiatives.
• Punjab China DeskminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025CCLS strengthened collaboration with the Punjab China Desk to enhance academic and business ties between Pakistan and China, focusing on capacity-building and research exchange.
• Anhui Yingfa Investment GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025CCLS strengthened industry-academia collaboration with Anhui Yingfa Investment Group, fostering linkages between Chinese businesses and Pakistani academic and legal expertise for enhanced economic engagement.
• University of SydneyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2024CCLS discussed collaborative opportunities with the University of Sydney, exploring potential joint initiatives in Chinese legal studies, academic research, and student exchange.
• Peking University Law SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2024CCLS at LUMS entered into a partnership with Peking University in China, expanding its network of top-tier Chinese academic institutions. The collaboration involves academic exchange, joint research, and potential student and faculty exchange programmes.
• Confucius Institute, University of LiverpoolminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024CCLS explored collaboration opportunities with the University of Liverpool's Confucius Institute, discussing potential academic and cultural exchange initiatives to strengthen Chinese studies programming.
• Centre of Excellence for CPEC (COE-CPEC)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2024CCLS met with the Centre of Excellence for CPEC to discuss collaborative opportunities and share research on CPEC governance, legal frameworks, and policy considerations.
• China Study Centre at ISSI (Institute of Strategic Studies)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2024Director of the China Study Centre at ISSI visited CCLS to explore collaborative research and knowledge exchange on China-related strategic and legal topics.
• Chinese International AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2024MoU signing ceremony between CCLS and Chinese International Academy to promote cultural exchange and academic collaboration, with Ms. Ho Yuk Bing, Principal, involved in the partnership.
• Jiangxi University of Science and TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024MoU signing ceremony between CCLS and Jiangxi University of Science and Technology to promote cultural exchange and academic collaboration, building bridges with another Chinese university partner.
• Confucius Institute at the University of the PunjabminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Members of the Confucius Institute at the University of the Punjab met with CCLS to explore collaboration on Chinese language and cultural exchange activities and research initiatives.
• Institute of Regional Studies, IslamabadminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024CCLS and the Institute of Regional Studies co-hosted a high-profile consultative roundtable focusing on legal reforms, investment protection, and dispute resolution for CPEC.
• Chinese Business CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024CCLS participated in the 10th anniversary celebration of CPEC organised by the China Business Council, and hosted a Corporate Dinner promoting industry-academia linkages between China and Pakistan.
• Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in LahorecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023CCLS maintains a strong relationship with the Chinese Consulate General in Lahore. Consul General Zhao Shiren has expressed unwavering dedication to bolstering CCLS, pledged support for academic research projects, advocacy endeavors, and commemorative events. The consulate hosts cultural events at LUMS and collaborates on educational initiatives including CPEC-specific research and Chinese language training.
• Pakistan-China Institute, IslamabadcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020CCLS collaborates with the Pakistan-China Institute to host conferences, including the online conference 'Pakistan-China Relations in the New Era: COVID-19, CPEC, and Beyond' marking the 69th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations. The institute serves as a co-moderating and co-organising partner for major policy events.
• Wuhan University School of LawcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2018MoU signed between SAHSOL, LUMS and the School of Law, Wuhan University to promote academic, cultural, and personal exchanges. Wuhan University assists CCLS by facilitating exchange of teaching and research personnel and students, arranging visiting faculty to teach Chinese law courses, conducting training seminars, and participating in conferences and symposia. This is the founding partnership that enabled the establishment of CCLS.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Pakistan-China Institute: Pakistan-based think tank focused on Pakistan-China relations, BRI, and CPEC. Co-organises conferences with CCLS and serves as a parallel hub for bilateral policy research and dialogue, making it the closest direct peer in mission and audience.
• Peking University Law School: Top-tier Chinese law school with formal academic exchange partnership with CCLS. Comparable in offering Chinese legal research and training, and a key counterpart institution for joint research and faculty exchange.
• Centre of Excellence for CPEC (COE-CPEC): Government-backed research entity dedicated to CPEC policy, governance, and coordination. Overlaps with CCLS on CPEC governance, legal frameworks, and dispute resolution research, targeting a similar Pakistani government and academic audience.
• Wuhan University School of Law: Founding partner of CCLS via MoU and a leading Chinese law school offering Chinese legal studies and exchange programmes. Direct peer in academic mission and a source of visiting faculty and collaborative research for CCLS.
• Institute of Regional Studies, Islamabad: Pakistan-based policy research institute that co-hosts high-profile roundtables on CPEC, legal reforms, and investment protection with CCLS. Comparable in mission: applied research and convening power on regional and bilateral issues.
• Research Society for International Law (RSIL): Pakistani legal research organisation that collaborates with CCLS on the Asian Coalition of Co-Riparians and on international law issues. Comparable as a research-driven legal-policy NGO with overlapping thematic focus on transboundary water governance and international law.
• China Study Centre at ISSI: Strategic studies institute based in Islamabad with a dedicated China-focused research arm. Overlaps with CCLS on policy research, dialogue, and publications on China-related geopolitical and legal issues.

Regional players

• Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI): Pakistan-based policy research think tank covering governance, CPEC, and regional cooperation. Comparable as an Islamabad-anchored research institution that produces policy briefs and convenes stakeholders on Pakistan-China economic issues.
• Confucius Institute, University of the Punjab: Pakistan-based Confucius Institute focused on Chinese language and cultural exchange with related academic research. Operates in the same Chinese-studies ecosystem in Pakistan but with a cultural/language emphasis rather than legal specialisation.
• Sustainable Development Policy Institute - China Study Centre (or alternative: Institute of Strategic Studies, Lahore): Pakistan-based regional studies institute with research interest in China, BRI, and CPEC-related issues. Comparable in producing applied research and hosting policy forums targeting Pakistani government, academia, and civil society.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ccls-lums
• Facebookfacebook.com/1AGomju2tt
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cclslums
• Instagraminstagram.com/ccls.lums

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Centre for Chinese Legal Studies at LUMS