Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Founding Chair GSRRA, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, and Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization). (E-mail: awanzamir@yahoo.com).  

The 72nd Anniversary of establishing formal diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan was celebrated with true spirit and traditional manner. Although the relationship between China and Pakistan goes back centuries old when Chinese Traders passed through the areas known as Pakistan today on the ancient silk route on their way to central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Chinese Monks also traveled to areas belonging to Pakistan today, thousands of years ago, like Fa Xian and Xuan Zang. But the formal relations were established between the two countries on 21 May 1951. The day is celebrated every year with joy and happiness as an important day in the relations between the two countries.

On May 19, to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan hosted a reception to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. Pang Chunxue, Charge d 'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Secretary Majid, and Javed, Dean of the Pakistani Institute of Foreign Affairs attended and addressed the reception. About 80 people attended the ceremony, including former Pakistani ambassadors to China, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, representatives of young diplomats from the Pakistan Diplomatic Service Academy, and diplomats from the Chinese Embassy All the guests enjoy Tea for Harmony ceremony and making Chinese dumplings. 

Marking the day, Ms. Pang Chunxue, Charge d 'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, emphasized that the China-Pakistan relationship has profound historical roots, solid public support, and strong practical needs. She stated that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ proposed by President Xi Jinping and the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. She said that with the joint efforts of both sides, CPEC has achieved fruitful outcomes covering areas of industry, agriculture, IT, disaster prevention and mitigation, etc., which made significant contributions to promoting Pakistan’s economic and social development, upgrading Pakistan’s infrastructure, improving Pakistani people’s well-being, enhancing people to people contact and deepening regional connectivity. CPEC has become the well-known hallmark of China-Pakistan cooperation. She conveyed great appreciation to successive generations of diplomats from the two countries for their painstaking efforts and contributions.

The foreign secretary of Pakistan applauded the contribution of generations of the two countries' diplomats to the achievements of China and Pakistan's unbreakable friendship and cooperation. “Chinese friends always unswervingly provide generous help, give strong support to Pakistan's sovereignty and independence, financial stability and infrastructure construction. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has brought prosperity and progress to Pakistan's economy and society, which Pakistan is deeply grateful for,” he furthered.

Mazhar Javed said that the relations between Beijing and Islamabad have been nurtured by both sides for the last 72 years and that all-around cooperation between the two sides provides valuable opportunities for exchanges and learning between the younger generations.

A series of activities were organized in various cities by many organizations, official and private, of various sizes and different in nature. One of them, the Pakistan China Friendship Association (PCFA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and China Study Centre of the University of Peshawar organized an event in this respect, which was well attended by senior officials, Chinese Embassy representatives, and the general public. 

Chinese Consular-General, in Lahore, Pakistan, Mr. Zhao Si Ren, wrote an article “Stability, Cooperation and Development” which was published in local media generously. Well-known Sinologist, Diplomat, and Scholar, published an article in People’s Daily, China “The unique relationship between China and Pakistan” on 19 May 2023, which was widely disseminated.

As a matter of fact, the relations between the two neighbors are exemplary and ever-growing. It is time-tested, All-weather, and All-Dimensions. Covering all aspects of the economy and all walks of life, the depth and warmth of unique friendship cannot be expressed by simple words, but, can be felt conveniently.

The future of this pure friendship is very bright as the youth of the two nations are in a comprehensive understanding and enjoy harmony. There are around 32000 Pakistani youth, studying in China currently, and around 20000 has been graduated and returned back to Pakistan. They are deployed at various positions in the public as well as private organizations in Pakistan. They are the true promoters of China-Pakistan relations and play a vital role in bridging the two nations, as they understand both nations very well.

Trust, the “pure Friendship” which we inherited from our elder generation of leaders like Chairman Mao, Premier Zhou En Lai, and President Ayoub Khan, Prime Minister Bhutto, will be uninterruptedly continued by the generations to come. 

Pak-China Traditional Friendship Long Lives!

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)