MY visit to China (Zhonghua), particularly Hainan Province, was a terrific and enlightening experience that extended far beyond tourism. Travelling to Hainan and arriving at Haikou, its provincial capital, through Hainan Airlines offered an opportunity to explore a society where development, discipline, technology, cultural diversity and governance appeared closely interconnected. The primary purpose of my visit was to understand the province, interact with its people, observe its cultural environment and explore entrepreneurial opportunities for Pakistan, particularly its young population. The visit provided valuable insights into how a country can transform its human and technological resources into economic progress.
One of the most striking observations was the general atmosphere of order, cleanliness and discipline. Public spaces appear green with plantation, well-maintained, people were focused on their work and daily activities proceeded in an organized manner. What impressed me most was the visible respect for rules without an obvious, constant presence of police officers or regulatory personnel at every location. Although enforcement systems and surveillance technologies may operate beyond ordinary public view, the experience suggested that effective governance depends not only on enforcement but also on public cooperation, trust, institutional capacity and a culture of compliance. The Chinese governance system operates under the leadership of the Communist Party of China within a socialist constitutional framework. Hainan, as a provincial-level administrative region, functions within China’s national constitutional and legal structure. Its institutions operate under national laws while exercising provincial responsibilities in economic development, administration and public services. Hainan’s status as a free trade port also reflects a strategic effort to encourage investment, international commerce and economic openness within the country’s broader political system. This experience highlighted an important principle: sustainable development requires clear rules, consistent implementation, accountable institutions and a shared understanding of civic responsibility.
Our visits to factories, global engine and generator facilities, AI colleges and other technological institutions revealed China’s emphasis on industrial capacity, technical education and innovation. These institutions demonstrated how scientific knowledge translates into practical applications, employment and economic growth. The focus on healthy food and organized production also reflected an interest in physical well-being. A typical boiled meal comprising vegetables, meat and seafood, accompanied by varieties of tea and fresh fruits, without artificial sweets, sugars, oils, flour or milk, appealed to my taste. These observations reinforced the importance of integrating education, industrialization, research and human development. For Pakistan, the visits highlighted opportunities for industrial partnerships, technical training, technology transfer and vocational education.
China’s digital ecosystem was another remarkable feature of the visit. Applications such as WeChat and DiDi demonstrate how technology can simplify everyday activities. WeChat integrates communication with various digital services and payment functions, while DiDi facilitates convenient transportation. Haikou, Hainan’s provincial capital, offered a perspective on urban development, administration and commercial activity. Sanya, internationally recognized for its coastal tourism and Wanning, known for its beaches and surfing attractions, reflect different dimensions of Hainan’s economic and cultural character. The province’s combination of tourism, commerce, education and industrial development provides a useful example of how regional strengths can be converted into economic opportunities. Critically speaking, the Chinese leadership has programmed a societal life within the system for a smooth functioning extending access to fundamental amenities whereas completely controlling insight to politics, news or meditational practices, only knowing one slogan “Pakistan Zhonghua Xiongdi”. For Pakistan, the lesson is to develop digital public services, promote cashless transactions, improve transport systems and encourage technology-based enterprises that can generate employment for young people. Beyond infrastructure and technology, the warmth, cooperation and work-oriented attitudes of the people made a lasting impression. Yet, it remains a challenge and dream for us to learn mutual respect, tolerance, clean leaving, cooperation and rule of law as envisaged in our ideology and culture.
China’s experience should not be copied mechanically, because Pakistan has its own constitutional framework, religious traditions, democratic aspirations and social realities. Nevertheless, certain principles deserve serious consideration: justice, accountability, discipline, cleanliness, merit and the dignity of work. These principles also resonate deeply with Islamic teachings. Islam emphasizes justice, honesty, cleanliness, fulfilling responsibilities and accountability before God. The central question for Pakistan, therefore, is not whether we possess the necessary moral teachings, but why we so often struggle to translate them into institutional conduct and public service delivery. Unfortunately, our political and administrative leadership frequently fails to demonstrate the consistency, accountability and commitment required to make these values effective. Public office must be treated as a responsibility rather than a privilege and national resources must be used for the welfare of the people rather than personal advantage.
The ultimate lesson of my visit to Hainan is that national development requires more than financial resources or impressive infrastructure; it requires institutions that function, citizens who cooperate, leaders who accept accountability and a culture that respects law and work. It would help to develop a positive global image. Pakistan possesses enormous human potential, particularly among its youth. By combining our ethical and religious foundations with modern education, technological innovation, effective governance and entrepreneurial cooperation with China, we can build a more productive, just and prosperous society.
—The writer holds specialization in Security, Criminology, Law, Youth Development & Business Management.
