Peshawar (TDI): Marking 74 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, a commemorative event celebrating the enduring “iron brotherhood” between the two countries was held on Friday at the University of Peshawar.
Jointly organized by the China Study Centre and the Pakistan-China Friendship Association (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chapter), the event brought together officials, academics, dignitaries who underscored the time-tested partnership between the two nations.
Speakers highlighted China’s unwavering diplomatic and moral support to Pakistan, particularly during recent tensions with India, and reaffirmed mutual commitment to regional development through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Provincial Minister for Social Welfare and Empowerment Syed Qasim Ali Shah attended the event as the chief guest. He along with the guest of honor Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar (UoP) Prof. Dr. Johar Ali, Director China Study Centre Dr. Noor Sanauddin, General Secretary Pakistan-China Friendship Association Syed Ali Nawaz Gillani and Pro Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Prof. Dr. Naeem Qazi cut the anniversary cake. On the sidelines of the event, the chief guest Syed Qasim Ali Shah also inaugurated the China friendship wall and a painting exhibition.
In his welcome address, Director China Study Centre Dr. Noor Sanauddin said that ties between Pakistan and China over the years have evolved into all-weather strategic partnership which-has stood the test of time.
He said that the China Study Centre has been established with the financial support of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.
He added that the Centre offers language classes and has an HEC-recognized research journal. It conducts research on Chinese culture and other issues relevant to China and its people.
General Secretary Pakistan-China Friendship Association Syed Ali Nawaz Gillani said that the leadership of both nations has maintained close contacts through frequent visits and strategic dialogue.
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“China has always supported Pakistan on major issues like Kashmir. On the other hand, Pakistan has supported the BRI and CPEC as game changers for both sides and the region itself,” he said.
Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Prof. Dr. Johar Ali stated that “Made in China” products have become a symbol of quality around the world and every country is dependent on the Chinese goods.
He said that Pakistan and China have strong defense ties, with joint military drills, training programs, and defense production cooperation.
He highlighted that Pakistan and China often coordinate positions on international platforms like the UN and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), which has further added to their strong voice across the world.
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The Chief Guest, Syed Qasim Ali Shah, said that China has always supported Pakistan diplomatically throughout the crisis.
He stated that in the recent Indo-Pakistan tension, China has reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Pakistan, emphasizing its role as an “ironclad friend” and backing Pakistan’s counter-terrorism measures.
He added that China’s support for Pakistan during this conflict highlighted its brotherly relations with Pakistan.
Shah further said that if China faced such a situation, the government and the people of Pakistan would reciprocate and stand with the Chinese brothers in any difficult time.
The Chief guest suggested a hundred-sentence Chinese language guidebook comprising basic daily use sentences so that every Pakistani would learn it and have an idea about it at a glance. The Director CSS agreed to the proposal and committed to publishing the said booklet in a fortnight.
