Prof. Dr. Salma Naz
Adamjee Govt Science College, Karachi
An All-Weather Friendship Rooted in People’s Hearts.
On this auspicious 76th anniversary of the establishment of the People’s Republic of China that Pakistan takes the liberty of offering its utmost best wishes to its iron brother. The decades have seen our relationship evolve beyond strategic partnership to a multidimensional relationship based upon trust, respect, and similarity of goals of peace and prosperity.
Although infrastructural and trade projects especially the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) continue to be the core of this alliance, people-to-people interactions are what make the core of our bilateral relationship. Thousands of Pakistani students are already studying in China under high scholarship programs, not only enhancing their personal growth, but also making a contribution to the scientific and economic development of Pakistan when they return. In the same direction, Chinese language institutes in Pakistan have provided new avenues of cultural knowledge and reinforced bonds between our societies.
Cultural diplomacy also remains very important. Joint media projects, art exhibition and even tourist projects highlight the rich traditions of both countries, creating a sense of goodwill at the grassroots level. Pakistani cultural festivals held in Beijing and Chinese New Year festivals held in Islamabad are some of the events that symbolize the mutual warmth that transcends the geographical boundaries.
The breadth of our relationship is further demonstrated by recent cooperation in the area of public health and environmental protection. The cooperation in renewable energy and climate resilience and the timely support of China during the COVID-19 pandemic can be regarded as an expression of a common interest in human security and sustainable development.
As both Pakistan and China move ahead in time, the improvement of educational, cultural and scientific collaboration will be used to reinforce this all-weather friendship. Through the reinvestment in human connectivity, our two countries know that this relationship can continue not just as a pillar of the regional stability, but also as a guide to the future generations on the way of mutual development.
