Daily Times

Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Barrister Syed Ali Zafar Monday stressed that cultural exchanges were a great way to promote and deepen Pakistan-China friendship as cultural ties last forever and nourish everlasting love and affection.

Speaking at a ceremony organised to mark the inauguration of exhibition titled ‘China in Stamps’ at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) here, he said friendship between Pakistan and China was an example for others. He said relations between the two countries were not only limited to political, economic and diplomatic spheres but also to the cultural exchanges. He recalled that the first airline that landed in China from non-communist countries was the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). When all the countries were opposing and as the world was divided into eastern and western blocks, Pakistan began friendship with China. Henry Kissinger, US Secretary of State, went to China for the first time because of Pakistan, he reminisced.

“Whenever we have a problem or issue, we first think of China as a friend. China always supported Pakistan in its hour of need. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a project of economic cooperation and an example of friendship of two countries,” he said, adding that in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC was the most successful project and not only both countries but the whole region would benefit from it.

Talking about different aspects of Pakistani culture, the minister said Pakistani heritage was very rich and the country had diverse cultural sites and its culture was reflected through people’s clothes, marriage ceremonies, social rites, norms and traits. “A nation has no identity without culture,” he opined.

Appreciating the efforts of the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, he said the PNCA had the capacity to showcase the Chinese culture. He said in the past, British and French centers used to undertake various activities to let Pakistanis know about their cultures. Chinese Cultural Centre at the PNCA would also be able to do the same, he hoped.

The minister said a lot of people, especially youth, wanted to learn Chinese crafts and languages and were keen to know about Chinese’s cinema, theater, arts and other cultural activities. He said stamp collection was an important hobby and one can peep into the course of history and a country’s political and cultural journey through stamps. The minister assured of all possible assistance for concepts and ideas that expand cultural exchanges between Pakistan and China.

The minister said he believed in the right to information which should be disseminated and shared with public to bring transparency in government affairs. Shared information would generate a debate on media and government would get feedback and suggestions and in turn improve its governance which would lead to resolution of issues and eradication of corruption, he added.

Published in Daily Times, June 26^th 2018.