Zubair Qureshi
The rich history and cultural heritage of China’s Xinjiang region and the progress and prosperity of the Uyghur living there in perfect harmony with other communities are beautifully penned down by Pakistan’s renowned columnist and author Ms. Naz Parveen. These views were expressed by the speakers while addressing the launching of the book titled ‘Xinjiang keKhushal Uyghur’ or ‘The prosperous Uyghur of Xinjiang’ organized by the China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) here Tuesday.
The book launch was well attended by academics, students, members of the diplomatic community, and civil society
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed was the chief guest on the occasion while among the speakers included DG ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood; founding chairperson of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance Prof. Zamir Ahmed Awan, an independent analyst Prof Dr Azhar Ahmed and Research Analyst and Lead of the China Programme at the ISSI Ms. Nabila Jaffer.
Senator MushahidHussainSayed congratulated Ms NazParveen on her exceptional work and commended the book for its communicative style and insightful content. He reflected on the evolution of China, highlighting its revolutionary reforms and criticized the Western media’s attempts to demonize China. He stressed the importance of Pakistani voices in countering such propaganda and called for greater efforts to promote understanding between the two nations.
Prof. Zamir Ahmed Awan, emphasized the significance of cultural diplomacy in understanding China and lauded the author for her accessible and engaging writing style. Prof Dr. Azhar Ahmed commended the author for her achievement in publishing such a detailed and vivid travelogue. He praised the book’s ability to transport readers into the heart of Xinjiang, making them feel as though they were experiencing the journey alongside the author. Ms. Nabila Jaffer expressed her admiration for the book’s imaginative and artistic narrative, which according to her was a refreshing departure from typical political discourses. She highlighted the book’s emphasis on personal experiences and cultural exchanges, which she believes are crucial for fostering stronger ties between Pakistan and China. The author, Ms.NazParveen expressing her gratitude shared her motivation for writing the book, which she said stemmed from her experiences at China Window in Peshawar and her desire to counter the negative narratives surrounding China’s treatment of Uyghur Muslims. She recalled her journey through Beijing, Chengdu, Kashgar, and Urumqi, where she was deeply moved by the warmth and hospitality of the Uyghur people and their socio-economic development, which starkly contrasted with the negative portrayals often carried by the Western media.
