Written by: Zoon Ahmed Khan
Posted on: March 30, 2018 | 
| 中文
Chinese Community wishing Pakistani Community on National Day
Last week, the 78th Anniversary of Pakistan’s National Day was celebrated in Beijing with enthusiasm and national spirit. 23rd March 2018 was a day overflowing with excitement and warmth, as the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan organised a series of events.
A simple and elegant flag hoisting ceremony was organized exclusively for Pakistani Community members at the Embassy of Pakistan. After the flag hoisting ceremony, children dressed in traditional clothes from the Pakistan Embassy College presented national songs, and put everyone present in a patriotic mood. Families and friends gathered together to enjoy the event, with crispy samosas, karrak chai, and other refreshments reminding them of home.
The flag hoisting ceremony is a traditional event where the Pakistani community are invited to greet each other and express solidarity with the motherland. It is also an event where children get an opportunity to learn about their heritage as Pakistanis and are introduced to the history and major milestones that we have achieved as a nation. Pakistan’s Consulates in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu and Guangzhou also held similar events for the Pakistani community in their respective cities.
In the evening, a grand National Day Reception was organised by the Embassy at the prestigious China World Hotel in Beijing. His Excellency Ambassador Masood Khalid, Ambassador of Pakistan, was present to warmly welcome hundreds of guests from all over the world including senior officials from the Chinese government, Ambassadors from the diplomatic corps, business community members, media personalities and eminent Pakistani diaspora members. Chinese Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Han Changfu, was the chief guest for the evening.
Welcoming the guests, Ambassador Masood Khalid said that Pakistan Day is celebrated to pay homage to the founders of Pakistan. On this day, Lahore Resolution was adopted, which heralded the struggle for attainment of Pakistan and this day holds deep significance because of the sacrifices made by our ancestors, and the generations to come. He also mentioned that leaders of both Pakistan & China have worked selflessly to convert the existing friendship into a strong political and economic co-operation. This is a partnership based on mutual benefit, shared prosperity and similar ideals.
Historic photographs of Pakistani and Chinese leaders including Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai paved the passage. And what we all shared in that moment was a deep history and a mutual heritage that unites us. A breath-taking ice sculpture of the Minar-i-Pakistan stood tall and magnificent, in the centre of the hall, embedded in bouquets and greenery.
A grand feast was also prepared with an assortment of Pakistani courses and a variety of continental delicacies. As always, the lamb roast with Pakistan’s famous Basmati rice, bursting with fruits and scented spices, was a favourite. Guests queued to get more of the tender lamb meat veal, with an assortment of Pakistani chutneys and crispy, golden pakoras on the side.
The evening reception included an exclusive piano performance by two Pakistani Pianists - Mr. Shahbaz Abdullah and Mr. Haroon Shad - especially flown in for the occasion. These pianists played Western and Pakistani tunes to the warm applause and appreciation of the guests. But most importantly these pianists were making history, as this was the first time ever that Pakistani pianists were performing in Beijing.
According to Raheel Tariq, Culture and Education Attaché at the Pakistan Embassy, these events serve as significant milestones in bringing people closer and play an important role in the long term Belt and Road Initiative. The cultural corridor is not just a distant idea but an experience we are all living and propelling forward. Officials at the Pakistani Embassy believe that these celebrations allow people across the board a shared vision. Cultural familiarity plays an extremely important role in understanding one another, in improving communication and learning from each other.
For the guests this ambience is equally invigorating as people from different fields and professions, from different countries and cultures are able to meet in a relaxing and inspiring environment. It gives Pakistanis a chance to live their culture, and those from outside to get a better understanding of what Pakistan has to offer.
To the same tune, a cultural booth was also organised at the National Day Reception displaying handicrafts and artefacts from different parts of Pakistan. A photographic exhibition featuring the history of Pakistan-China Friendship was on display, leading into the main hall.
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