Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday unveiled the sculptures of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah and Chairman Mao Zedong in Islamabad.
The sculptures were created by renowned Chinese artist Yuan Xikum to honour the two national heroes and were inaugurated on two separate ceremonies to mark their birth anniversaries on December 25 and 26, respectively.
Following the ceremony, PM Shehbaz also met with Xikum and praised his skills. Mao Xiaoqing, the niece of Chairman Mao Zedong, also attended the meeting.
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Addressing the event, PM Shehbaz said it was a historic occasion, calling the sculptures reflect Yuan Xikum’s exceptional skill.
The premier honoured Jinnah for founding Pakistan and Chairman Mao for shaping modern China.
“We Pakistanis hold great respect for Chairman Mao,” he said, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and China.
The premier also recalled his visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi’an earlier this year, sayin it was a powerful example of China’s rich history.
He also spoke of Pakistan’s ancient heritage, such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa.
Shehbaz said Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s to Pakistan earlier this year further strengthened bilateral ties.
He said Pakistan had gained a lot from the growing cooperation between the two countries, especially in defense, agriculture, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
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Shehbaz announced that the first group of Pakistani agriculture graduates will soon leave for training in Chinese universities.
Federal Minister for Information and Culture Attaullah Tarar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Tariq Fatemi, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Pakistani Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, and senior officials attended the event.
