Written by: Aliya Farooq Pasha
Posted on: January 04, 2022 | 
| 中文
Chinese women busy in their agricultural work
Dear China,
To me, as a reader of Pearl S. Buck, China was a land of mists rising from terraced rice fields in which men and women worked tirelessly in knee-deep muddy water. Baskets tied to their backs planting, tending, and reaping. I read in “The Good Earth” that, “The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.” As a Pakistani, I share the iron bond spirit of camaraderie with the Chinese people. We forged this iron bond in 1950 when Pakistan was amongst the first countries to enter into official diplomatic relation with the Republic of China, and recognize the People’s Republic of China (PRC) regime on mainland China. Since then, Pakistan and China have maintained close ties based on support and respect. We are partners in economic, technical and military fields.
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck.
Pearl S Buck’s lines stead with me and nudged me to find out more about this land of mystery and beauty. As I moved forward on this journey of discovery, I felt more and more intrigued about my neighbor and friend. I realized that we share so much, the fundamental belief in the nourishing power of land formed the backbone of Pakistan and China. As both countries, with large populations to feed, must find newer and better ways to reap more from the fertile lands. Respect for nature and a strong work ethic is the need of the hour for the two countries and China seems to have taken great strides in this direction. A lesson we, in Pakistan, must learn. China has found a way to turn deserts into forests, again reinforcing the basic belief in respect for nature as the foundation for China’s policy of progress.
Industry in China has grown rapidly in the last 30 years
I also found out that Chinese scientists are busy in research focusing on futuristic plans rather than in immediate material gains. Reminding me once again of my favorite author, Pearl S. Buck, who chose China as her adopted home and wrote, “…and roots, if they are to bear fruits, must be kept well in the soil of the land.” Another reason I love China and admire it from my vantage point in Pakistan, is the fact that it has followed a multi-pronged path to economic success. It maintains and sustains its agricultural base while continuing on the road to urbanization in a rational and balanced manner. I wish we, in Pakistan, would learn from our neighbor not to sacrifice one on the altar of the other.
While Chinese villages retain their old-world charm with small street markets, local vendors continue to sell their wares amongst vegetable and grocery stores, while the cities boast a skyline comparable to any of the most advanced countries in the world.
Shenzhen city, the Silicon Valley of China
A saying in China tells you that if you want to see the past, go to Beijing, for the present, visit Shanghai, but for the future, it has to be Shenzhen. In a documentary on Shenzhen, one sees a city of the future. In only fifty years, it grew from a quiet little fishing village into a mega-city. An electronics, IT and automotive center, aptly called China’s Silicon Valley. Robotics, androids, and hybrid cars are currently all the hype in Shenzhen.
Khunjerab Pass
I have travelled extensively across Pakistan, from Gwadar to Khunjerab, and seen a kaleidoscope of colors, both in the land and its inhabitants. Reddish-brown sands of our deserts, the lush green fields, the stark mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks offer an experience of cultural diversity and multilingual richness. I believe that China has similar richness in its wide geological expanse.
The natural and surreal beauty of Chinese landscapes in fascinating. The fantastic gravity defying, glistening rice terraces forming a stairway to heaven. This mist wreathed pillars of rock, nicknamed China’s ‘Avatar’ mountains in Zhangjiajie, have macaques, deer and leopards roaming freely. It boasts of the world’s highest elevator, alongside the world’s highest and longest glass bridge, a jaw-dropping 360 meters above a gorge. I would love to visit this land of superlatives one day.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The striped ridges of Danxia, in the northwest Gansu, forms an image that greets me whenever I browse the net or surf the TV channels. Standing in stark contrast to the misty land of Zhangjiajie, these layers of sandstone make China’s “Rainbow Mountains”. Such unique images of nature and progress in China’s countryside and cities ignite the wanderlust for those in Pakistan. So near, yet so far. One wishes to see this priceless vison for one’s self as an experience of a lifetime.
The Rainbow Mountains in Zhangye Danxia, China
The Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Terracotta Army, and many other images linger in the memory from the movies like ‘Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon’ and ‘The Last Emperor’. Chinese food has been intrinsically integrated into Pakistani cuisine, making Chinese rice, Manchurian and Sweet-and-Sour almost a staple. China Silk has adorned the Pakistani ladies’ wardrobe for decades. From crockery (literally called ‘China’!) to home products, cosmetics and even slippers, our lives are dotted with reminders from China. CPEC has breathed a new life into the already strong Pak-China relationship.
Dear China, having so much in common, I hope to meet you personally one day. Till then, Goodbye.
From,
Aliya Nabrseer Farooq,
Islamabad, Pakistan
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