China Window Peshawar held a grand ceremony to mark the 75th anniversary of Pak-China friendship, with a large participation of political and social figures, a cake decorated with the flags of both countries was cut to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic relations, the Chief Minister’s Advisor on Finance attended as the special guest, former Governor Haji Ghulam Ali and Iqbal Zafar Jhagra also attended in special capacity

Report, Muhammad Dawood, Shoaib Jamil, Adnan Khan Illustration by Ehtesham-ur-Rehman

The diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China are considered a shining example of ideal friendship between two states all over the world. This is a relationship that has not only remained intact despite the tests of time, regional and global changes, political ups and downs and economic challenges, but has also become stronger with each passing day. Diplomatic and friendly relations with China are held in high regard in Pakistan, which is why the celebrations of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries are being celebrated with great pomp and ceremony across the country. A grand and dignified ceremony in this regard was organized by China Window in Peshawar on Friday, which combined the 75th anniversary of Pak-China friendship and the Spring Festival to highlight the spirit of friendship, culture and cooperation. A large number of top bureaucrats, political and social figures, teachers, students, journalists, business community and people from different schools of thought attended the event, which was practical proof that Pak-China friendship is not limited to the government level but also has profound effects on the public level. The special guest of the event was Muzammil Aslam, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Finance, who in his address paid tribute to Pak-China relations and said that the friendship between Pakistan and China is one of the few examples in the world that has continuously grown stronger despite time, circumstances and global changes. He said that this relationship is not merely diplomatic or economic in nature but is a living and strong relationship based on trust, respect, brotherhood and mutual cooperation, which has kept the two countries close to each other in every era. Muzammil Aslam said that the foresight and principledness that Pakistan demonstrated by recognizing the People’s Republic of China in 1951 is today, 75 years later, in the form of a strong, stable and sustainable partnership before the whole world. He said that this decision not only laid the foundation for the relations between the two countries but also opened a new chapter for peace, development and stability in the region. In his address, he termed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the flagship project of Pak-China friendship and said that CPEC has given a new direction to Pakistan’s economy. According to him, energy projects under CPEC significantly reduced the power crisis in Pakistan, motorways and modern highways connected the country from north to south, while Gwadar Port gave Pakistan an important place on the regional and global trade map. Muzammil Aslam further said that the establishment of special economic zones has not only promoted foreign investment but also created new opportunities for industrial development and employment. He emphasized that China has always seen Pakistan as an equal partner, which is why there is immense love, respect and trust in the hearts of the Pakistani people for China. He paid tribute to the organizers of China Window for organizing the event and said that this institution is playing a key role in promoting Pak-China friendship. Addressing the event, former Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Haji Ghulam Ali said that the fruits of the foresight and principledness that Pakistan demonstrated by recognizing the People’s Republic of China in 1951 are emerging today in the form of strong relations between the two countries. He said that China has supported Pakistan in every difficult time, be it occasions of wars, natural disasters or the pressure faced by Pakistan at the global level. Haji Ghulam Ali said that Pak-China relations have today taken the form of a strong fortress, the foundation of which is laid on trust, mutual respect and unconditional cooperation. He appreciated the services of China Window and said that this institution has become an effective and active platform for the promotion of Pak-China friendship, which is bringing the people of both countries closer to each other. Former Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said in his address that the greatest virtue of Pak-China friendship is that it is based purely on trust and mutual respect, instead of the traditional concept of take something and give something. According to him, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the flagship project of Pak-China friendship, which has played a significant role in energy, infrastructure and industrial development in Pakistan. He said that CPEC is proving to be a game changer not only for Pakistan but also for the entire region as new opportunities for regional connectivity, trade and economic cooperation are being created through this project. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra also appreciated the services of China Window and termed it a strong source of public relations between the two countries. Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Dad Khan, while addressing the ceremony, said that passing on Pak-China friendship to the new generation is the most important need of the hour. He stressed that this relationship should be further strengthened through educational, cultural and media links, so that the younger generation can be well aware of the historical importance and future usefulness of Pak-China relations. He said that institutions like China Window are playing a commendable role in promoting Pak-China friendship at the public level. Former governors were present at the ceremony. The large participation of senior government officials, heads of educational institutions, religious leaders, including Bishop Ernest Jacob, the business community, journalists and students proved that Pak-China friendship is not just a state policy but a strong bond that lives in the hearts of the people. At the end of the ceremony, a cake was cut to mark the 75th anniversary of Pak-China friendship, while shields were distributed to personalities who have served in various fields. On this occasion, the participants expressed their determination to play every possible role to further strengthen Pak-China friendship and pass it on to future generations. Undoubtedly, Pak-China friendship is a bright chapter in the 75-year history that has the full potential to keep both countries on the path of development, prosperity and mutual trust in the future as well. The efforts of institutions like China Window are proving to be a milestone in further strengthening this friendship at the public level, and this is the foundation on which a bright future of Pak-China relations is being built.

Pak-China friendship is immune to harsh conditions and pressures, Amjad Aziz Malik

We have gathered to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the great and historic friendship that connects the hearts of not only two countries but also two nations