Salahuddin Haider
The 70th Chinese Independence anniversary was celebrated with hum drum in Karachi Thursday and to add to the intensity of celebration Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah proudly announced that CPEC’s first power plant was completed in Jhimpir of Thatta district which was hugely applauded by large number of guests presented at the reception held by consul general Wang Yu.
Judged from any standard it was a gala event, colourful, and fascinating with Chinese troupe presenting lilting songs and delightful dances in their costumes. National anthems of China and Pakistan was played, and before a sumptuous dinner was served a ceremonial cake was cut by governor Imran Ismail, chief minister, Consul general and other dignatories. But before these formalities were over, the consul general reported happily that he had great and memorable tenure in Karachi, holding his fourth and last national day reception, for within few days, he will be leaving his present assignment
The huge gathering of invitees included business elite including Zia Ispahani, Vice President of Karachi Chamber of commerce and Industry, Kalim Farooqui,shamoon Zaki, and several others. Among prominent diplomats were UK deputy High Commissioner, consuls general of Qatar Mishal Ansari, of Bangla Desh, Noor-e-Helal Saifur Rehman, Russian Federation Alexandr G Khozin, of Germany Eugene Wollfarth, Afghanistan Hameedullah, of Bahrein, of Iran Mohammadi, and Indonesia Totak Prianamto.Despite tight security because of the Sri Lankan cricket team’s presence in the hotel, the turn out was impressive, although guests, including diplomats, had to fall in queue for entry into the hotel premises. Wang Yu said he was leaving Karachi with tremendous memories of love and affection which the people of Karachi extended to him during his tenure here. He said his consulate general had done its best to serve the people of Sindh and Balochistan.
He said Chinese-Pakistani friendship was pillar o strength for regional peace and stability. CPEC was now entering a new phase. He added that China was the second largest economy of the world, 7th biggest destination for investment and its gross domestic product had risen by 135 times in record time. China has. lifted 700 million people above the poverty line. Governor Imran Ismail also spoke, thanking China for open support to akistan on Kashmir. Pakistan felt indebted to its unstinted support n several issues over the years.
