Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
Posted on: July 08, 2021 | 
| 中文
Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chairman of the Pakistan-China Institute Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed
The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) is currently holding a three-day event that has celebrated and reflected the social, political, economic and historic relations between Pakistan and China. These events commemorate not only the 100thanniversary of the establishment of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC) but also the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. A series of riveting and thoughtful speeches and panel discussions took place, bringing together professionals, and students interested in the dynamics of Pak-China friendship.
The first event which took place on 6th July was titled “Friends of the Silk Road – CPC and the World Political”. The chief guests were Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, former ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China, who was heading the embassy there during the early months of the COVID pandemic; Mr. Abid Suleri, the head of Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), and Moeed Pirzada, journalist and editor-in-chief of Global Village Space.
The ‘Friends of the Silk Road’ speakers each touched on different historical, economic, political and social aspects that have shaped the relationship between the Iron Brothers, agreeing that the journey has not been without hardships and sacrifices. Ambassador Hashmi spoke at length about how China and Pakistan unwaveringly supported each other during the outbreak of the pandemic. Moeed Pirzada and Mr. Suleri both touched on different aspects of how China has survived war, famine and poverty, and how Pakistan and China can mutually benefit each other. The speakers concluded that one must not fully give into West-influenced propaganda that threatens to undermine this strategic partnership, and have faith in the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy and Zhou Enlai signing the Treaty of Friendship between China and Pakistan in Beijing
Speeches by the chief guests were followed by a historic and global World Summit hosted by the CPC. This summit was attended by over 500 parties from 160 countries, including Pakistan, Cuba, South Africa and many others. The conference began with a speech by the Chinese President Xi Jinping thanking his friends, for supporting the CPC’s mission to lift billions out of poverty. Speaking about the CPC, he reaffirmed China’s mission for building a shared future for mankind, through development and environmental sustainability.
Prime Minister Imran Khan also gave a speech congratulating the CPC for 100 years of serving the Chinese people, and particularly lauded Chairman Mao Zedong for “guiding the Chinese people in reclaiming national dignity, self-respect and China's rightful place in the world." He hoped that Pakistan could emulate President Xi’s people-centric approach to development and poverty alleviation, and promised that Pakistan would support China’s efforts to maintain a peaceful international order.
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi addressing the Conference
The second event which took place on 7th July was titled “Pakistan-China at 70: A Unique Bilateral Friendship”. The chief guests for the event included Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan, His Excellency, Ambassador Nong Rong. Several panel discussions took place with participation by diplomats, academics, professionals and journalists who traced the history and potential outcomes of Pakistan and China’s ever-evolving bilateral relations.
Ambassador Nong Rong
A highlight of the event was the “People to People Connectivity – The Foundation of Pakistan China Friendship”. There were talks by the Executive Director of Pakistan-China Institute, Mr. Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Professor Li Xiguang of Tsinghua University, Chairman Hunerkada, Mr. Jamal Shah, and the Vice President for Legal and Corporate Affairs at China Power Hub Generation Company, Ms. Ambreen Shah.
Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director of the Pakistan-China Institute
Mr. Sayed emphasized the importance of people-to-people connectivity in developing the future of Pak-China relations. He said that this involves cultural exchanges and more opportunities for the people of both countries to visit each other, and learn from each other. Both Mr. Shah and Professor Li referred to China’s centuries-long relationship with the land that is now Pakistan. They discussed how the Silk Road acted as an ancient connection between both regions for trade, religion and cultural exchange. Ms. Shah reiterated the Chinese people’s desire to share knowledge and to learn from others, and specially mentioned their object to empower women of the Global South in order to encourage them to participate in developmental projects.
Thursday, 8th July marked the last day of the conference, and the conclusion of the event. Titled ‘Pakistan-China at 70: Vision for the Future’, the event featured talks by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, H.E. Ambassador Nong Rong, Minister of National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Mr. Qasim Suri. The event also had a special message from the Chinese Foreign Minister and State Councellor Wang Yi, stating that China and Pakistan are the champions of the common values of mankind, and the frontline advocates of multilateralism. Moving forward, Pakistan and China oppose any type of vaccine nationalism and embargoes, choosing to come together to support the future of a peaceful and prosperous world.
Ambassador Nong Rong and the panel
Today’s talk coincided with the 50th anniversary of the night Henry Kissinger secretly flew to Beijing to meet with the Chinese and ease political tensions between the USA and China. As the panelists agreed, in the new Post-Cold War and Post-9/11 world order, Pakistan and China both have a responsibility to maintain peace and stability within the region. Neither countries have interfered in the other’s internal issues, but have supported each other on the global stage. Now, with the help of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan gets to stand alongside China as they make efforts to ensure a better future for all.
Ever since China and Pakistan took the first step by establishing diplomatic relations in 1951, both countries have enjoyed a bilateral friendship unlike any seen in the history of international relations. Both countries hope that the future through CPEC brings about a mutually beneficial relationship and promotes a bright future with an emphasis on the development of industry, agriculture and promotion of people-to-people relations.
Ambassador Hilaly receiving US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Rawalpindi on 8 July 1971
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