Islamabad (GNP): The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with UNI International, Pakistan-China Education Association, and partner organizations, proudly co-hosted the Pakistan-China Cultural Evening at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre, Islamabad, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two brotherly nations.
The special evening is being graced by Mr. Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, as Mr. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Deputy High Commissioner Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, and Special Initiatives was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
The event celebrates the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China through culture, dialogue, heritage, artistic exchange, and people-to-people connectivity, reflecting the spirit of a shared future between the two brotherly nations.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan-China friendship has been passed through generations, standing the test of time.
Atta Tarar recalled his mother telling him that as a young school girl in Islamabad, she was among the children who went to receive Zhou Enlai and chanted slogans, adding that Pakistan and China share boundaries, rivers, and an unbreakable bond.
Moreover, he noted that as the Prime Minister’s delegation departs for China in a few days, these 75 years stand as a testament to their ever-growing friendship. He expressed gratitude to the performing children and the organizing team for putting together a heart-touching event at very short notice.
Tarrar welcomed Professor Ahsan Iqbal, describing him as a champion of Pak-China friendship who was present at the launch of CPEC in 2014 and has been actively promoting it under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Professor Ahsan Iqbal said they gathered to celebrate a historic milestone of 75 years of Pakistan-China relations, a partnership built on mutual trust and shared values that has grown stronger with each passing decade. He said Pakistan-China friendship is higher than mountains, sweeter than honey, and deeper than oceans, adding that this bond reached new heights when Pakistan sent its first astronaut to space aboard a Chinese spacecraft, marking a defining moment in bilateral ties.
Reflecting on his personal role, he said it has been an honor to work on Pakistan-China relations, sign memorandums of understanding on major projects, and be part of both CPEC 1 and CPEC 2. He described China as the most steadfast and time-tested friend, noting that CPEC connecting Gwadar Port to Kashgar stands as a flagship of the Belt and Road Initiative, a distinction Pakistan carries with pride.
He said that before CPEC, Pakistan suffered from 18 to 20 hours of daily electricity shortages, a crisis no other partner stepped forward to resolve, but China invested billions and helped overcome it, adding that a friend in need is a friend indeed. He said Pakistan is transforming into a regional economic hub and future gateway for investment, welcoming all investors to follow China’s lead.
He paid tribute to the Chinese and Pakistani workers who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, particularly recalling the Dasu incident, saying their courage and commitment will never be forgotten. Appreciating the cultural event, he said the performances captured every heart, and from the cuisine to the laughter of children, culture proved to be the universal language that transcends borders and unites people through arts and shared heritage.
Deputy Head of Commission Mr. Shi Yuanqiang expressed joy and harmony, thanking all chief guests and extending special gratitude to the Ministry of Broadcasting for organizing the event, noting its vital role in strengthening Pak-China relations. He appreciated the performances, saying that cultural ties are the strength of their bond, bringing the hearts of both peoples closer. He highlighted CPEC as a flagship pillar of their relationship, built on cooperation, culture, and education. He also thanked Federal Ministers Ahsan Iqbal and Attaullah Tarar for taking time out of their busy schedules, expressing hope for an even stronger partnership ahead, concluding with the resonant words, “Pak-Cheen Dosti Zindabad.”
Member of the National Assembly Daniyal Chaudhary was also present at the occasion. The event served as a vibrant testament to the enduring brotherhood between Pakistan and China, bringing together culture, dialogue, heritage, artistic expression, and people-to-people connectivity in a celebration that reflected the vision of a shared and prosperous future for both nations.
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Federal Secretary of Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil said that the relationship between Pakistan and China runs far deeper than formal diplomatic channels, finding its true strength in the warmth and connection shared between the people of both nations.
The event featured captivating cultural performances celebrating Pak-China friendship. Children from both nations performed the song “Jasmine Flower.”
NCA artists Zahid, Saim Hasnain Ali, and Muhammad Mikhail rendered a soulful “Dil Se Maine Dekha Pakistan.”
A Chinese girl also delivered an enchanting performance on the Florent Melody, leaving the audience spellbound.
Young Chinese masters further enthralled the audience with a beautiful musical performance in their native language. A documentary on the Karakoram Highway, dating back to 1986, was also screened, offering a moving glimpse into the shared history of the two nations. The event culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony marking 75 years of Pak-China friendship, followed by the distribution of souvenirs to the chief guests and organizers in recognition of their efforts in making the event a memorable celebration.
