Chinese CG Zhao says no force can stop China from development;
Maryam congratulates Chinese people on founding anniversary of China
Fida Hussnain Lahore
Pakistan and China jointly marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China amid grand celebrations including a spectacular cake-cutting ceremony at a local hotel on Monday. The event was hosted by the Chinese Consulate.
The dignitaries attending the ceremony included Punjab Chief Minister Maraym Nawaz, Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, and Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan.
Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik also graced the occasion.
Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Punjab Inspector General of Police Dr. Usman Anwar and many other senior bureaucrats, senior officials, several political leaders, Chinese businessmen, journalists and other guests from various walks of life also participated.
Mr. Zhao Shireen, the Chinese Consul General in Lahore, and wife welcomed the guests. During the ceremony, Chinese Consul General Zhao Shireen, in his inaugural speech, expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests. He emphasized the importance of the occasion as they gathered to commemorate 75 years since the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Mr. Zhao highlighted China’s achievements, noting its status as the world’s second-largest economy and its strategic initiatives aimed at global development. Discussing China’s growth and its commitment to international cooperation, he said, “No single force can stop China from progressing, as its economy continues to make strides forward,”.
Mr. Zhao also emphasized China’s dedication to solving global challenges, particularly through major initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and the development of Gwadar port.
He further added that Gwadar would soon be inaugurated, and the Karakoram Highway would align with CPEC, underscoring Pakistan and China’s shared commitment to the project.
The Consul General praised the Punjab government for fostering a favorable environment for Chinese investors, particularly under the leadership of the provincial administration. He highlighted recent meetings between Punjab officials and Chinese companies, aimed at enhancing cooperation.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Zhao Shireen wished for Pakistan’s continued peace, prosperity, and development, and reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
In a reciprocal way, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also extended the warmth gesture towards the Chinese hosts by saying that “Of course it is you and it is us. We are here to celebrate the Chinese day,”.
“From the corridors of power to the core hearts of the common people, China has expressed strong relations with us,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
She said, “On this joyous occasion, I extend warmth wishes on behalf of the people of Punjab and Pakistan to China on its special day,”. “It’s, no doubt, remarkable,” said the CM.
The chief minister said they [Pakistan and China] have moved forward with hand in hand for the shared future. She referred to the strong relations between the both nations by saying that in the time of crisis like Covid-19, China extended its resources, expressed solidarity and showed great support.
Maryam Nawaz went on to say that in every sense, China has emerged as a leader on the world map.
“Pakistan and China have a strong friendship, deeper than the sea and higher than the mountains of Himalayas,” said CM Maryam.
Former three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, she said, played a significant role for Pakistan China relations.
Talking about other projects, particularly about China Pakistan Economic Corridor, CM Maryam said, “CPEC is symbol of hope and prosperity for many other nations. She confidently said that this friendship between both China and Pakistan would be strengthened more.
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan also addressed the ceremony. While referring to the speeches of Chinse Consul General Mr. Zhao Shireen and Punjab Chief Minister Maraym Nawaz, the PA speaker said, “This is a matter of great pride that we are here to celebrate 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China”.
He said that friendship between China and Pakistan is not just about government to government or about business to business but it is cornerstone of the foreign policy.
“PM Shehbaz Sharif used to say that the friendship between both the nations is sweeter than honey,” said Malik Ahmed Khan, shedding light over the strong ties between both Pakistan and China.
He said that language barrier is not a barrier now as many language centers have been set up in the country. Talking about different projects, especially about CPEC, Malik Ahmed Khan said, “The second phase of CPEC is supporting our businesses and harnessing our development. Goal of China is to strengthen our economy.” The Speaker also lauded the efforts being put by the Punjab government under command of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
“Punjab will become hub of development under command of CM Maryam,” said the speaker.
Governor of Punjab Sardar Saleem Haider Khan congratulated the Chinese diplomats and people over 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’ Republic of China.
“75 years are not a long period in a nation’s life. This is of course a miracle that China has made tremendous development in this short period of 75 years,” said Punjab Governor SardarSaleemHaider Khan. He proudly said that Pakistan and China always enjoyed strong friendship.
Talking about the Chinese population, the Punjab governor said that China made population its great resources. He stated that China supported Pakistan in every sector. Even the power sector had Chinese backing, he added.
CPEC is a game changer,” said the governor while referring to the joint efforts of PML-N and the PPP in this regard. During the ceremony, the artists also showcased amazing performance on the stage as special dance mesmerized the audience. The special songs were also sung depicting strong friendship and ties between both the nations. Later, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan, Chinese Consul General Mr. Zhao Shireen and his wife cut the cake of the ceremony to mark celebrations of the 75th founding of the People’s Republic of China.
