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    From People to People, Pakistan-China Relations since 1965

    Written by: Zoon Ahmed Khan
    Posted on: December 12, 2017 | | 中文

    Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai (second right) accompanies Pakistani President Ayub Khan and his delegation visiting the Great Wall in March 1965 (Source: Beijing Review)

    In March 1965, when President Ayub Khan made his historic visit to Beijing, a million Chinese people paved the roads to the Summer Palace as his regal motorcade floated through an ocean of enthusiasm. What these people held was a deep passion for their leader, Chairman Mao, the Red Book engraved with his quotations, and their only true friend – Bajisitan, which is Mandarin for Pakistan. President Khan didn’t disappoint these heightened aspirations either.

    As both were exceptional political visionaries of their time, Khan and Mao knew that to ensure deeper political trust and strategic resonance, the exchange needed to go beyond the leaders alone. In a matter of 5 days, to solidify this intent a joint communiqué was issued, to embolden the unified voice that would become their signature trademark.

    And shortly after, by 25th March 1965, The Cultural Cooperation Agreement between Pakistan and China was signed. It marked the beginning of a deep strategic partnership, one that would change the dynamic of South Asia for decades to come. It made the Iron Brothers what they stand for today.

    Pakistani school children raise friendship flags for China and Pakistan

    Pakistani school children raise friendship flags for China and Pakistan

    Since then Bajisitan became synonymous to a bond unmatched in the world of real politik. Pakistani television serials and songs were played across Friendship Stores in the Mainland and Pakistanis likewise broadcast Chinese plays and films on Pakistani television and cinemas. Pakistan International Airlines, the country’s national carrier, was the first international airline to take flights to Beijing, thereby serving as a significant avenue to impart people to people exchanges.

    From politicians and entertainers to ordinary people the bond has been nurtured and has evolved. It is especially under President Xi Jinping’s era, marking the revival of the Silk Road, that the cultural exchanges between the Iron Brothers have met new momentum. The Belt and Road Summit held in Beijing in May 2017 as well as the 19th plenary session of the Communist Party of China emphasized the need for Cultural Exchange and People to People Ties. With China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), both countries have once again embarked on a journey for colorful cultural exchange.

    Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcoming ceremony for visiting Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain

    Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) holds a welcoming ceremony for visiting Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain (R) (Source: CCTV)

    Chalay Thay Saath, a Pakistani film released in 2017 introduced a revolutionary concept to Pakistani cinema. Featuring the love story between a Pakistani girl played by Syra Sheroz and a Chinese man, Kent Leung, Chalay Thay Saath is a light hearted romantic drama that takes the viewers on a cross-cultural journey. Kent’s endearing personality left a mark on millions of Pakistani fans and also opened them to a new aspect of CPEC.

    In March 2017 Jimmy Engineer, Pakistan’s distinguished painter, philanthropist and social worker also made history by exhibiting his work at China’s most prestigious National Museum in Beijing. Engineer’s long goodwill visit to China marked the 66th anniversary celebrations of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. His work today is on permanent display at the museum. The raw depiction of Pakistan’s partition in Engineer’s work left Chinese art commentators and enthusiasts inspired and increasingly intrigued by Pakistan’s people and their history.

    Jimmy Engineer visits China's prestigious Tsinghua University with Ambassador Masood Khalid

    Jimmy Engineer (fourth from left) visits China's prestigious Tsinghua University with Ambassador Masood Khalid (fourth from right) (Source: Jimmy Engineer)

    Apart from cinema and art, Pakistan has also been actively sending performers to participate in various cultural activities. On 26th July 2017, a 32-member cultural troupe from Pakistan made ripples at the Xinjiang Cultural Festival, with performers from all over the country. Jamal Shah, a veteran actor and Director General of the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), led the delegation with some of the country’s finest performers. Classical Katthak performers left the audience mesmerized by the fluid grace of their movements, while the powerful Leva dance of tribal Baluchistan carried them away with its compelling beat and evocative rhythm.

    Little did the Chinese understand of the diversity that meant Pakistan: Kashmiri folk dancers, Kalasha performers from the exotic Kalash region, and the Sindhi Jhoomar marking the celebration of a good harvest, were all wrapped up by the joyous and upbeat Punjabi Bhangra. The sitar, tabla and flute, were among many other traditional instruments that echoed through the festivities in Xinjiang. The aesthetic and grace with which the Pakistani troupe exhibited their talent and represented the nation has undoubtedly opened new avenues for people to people exchange. Can we expect that soon the PNCA can open a dancing center in China? The chances seem quite high with the increased amount of interest and Chinese coming to Pakistan for varying opportunities.

    Pakistani Cultural Troupe at the Xinjiang Cultural Festival 2017

    Pakistani Cultural Troupe at the Xinjiang Cultural Festival 2017 (Source: Adnan Jehangir)

    The tide of cultural opportunities has taken Pakistanis and Chinese by storm. While Pakistanis have always learned of the Chinese work ethic through cinema and documentaries, most of what this nation stands for remains a mystery. Similarly, any shopkeeper or taxi driver in China knows Pakistan is their friend. And while they take pride in this friendship, Pakistan’s diversity continues to take them by surprise. Today, Pakistani students are making their way to China’s best universities and carrying their culture forward, and similarly thousands of Chinese make their way to Pakistan.

    Though the rapid hype of the CPEC bond has left the world stunned – the fact that China and Pakistan have always strived to know each other better and been fascinated to learn from each other, dates back to 1965, when the Iron Brothers first shook hands. And similarly while the Belt and Road Initiative is perceived as a new concept, the cultural facets of our two nations have been a major inspiration to move closer. This delicate balance of deep fascination and trust has sustained the strength that we feel moving forward. The seed planted in 1965 is now blossoming.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021