Daily Times

It is said that we have friendly relations with the whole world. After realising the true meaning of the words “brotherly and friendship,” a few countries can be identified, and China is foremost amongst them.

China is a friendly nation, who has helped Pakistan in all difficult times by keeping up the pride of brotherhood and friendship.

China is a great and ancient country on this planet. The 6,000-years-old civilisation and culture of China are amongst the oldest civilisations of the world, which invented written language; such a language whose single alphabet can represent the entire word or phrase. Chinese love their language and do not consider any foreign language as a means of development. They have proven how a person could be associated with his language and civilisation.

The rapid development in the economic sector made them proud, and their moral soars high as a nation. When we talk about a nation, it has certain languages, territories and customs. China fulfils all terms, and it is a nation in true sense. Therefore, they respect their language by owning it mutually. Few days before, we had a chance to visit Beijing under the leadership of Dr Zafar Mehmood. Other members of the group, including myself, were Mian Saif-ur-Rehman, Mohsin Goraiya, Mazhar Barlas, Asif Affan, Sajjad Jahaniyan, Malik Suleiman, Komal Saleem, Muhammad Mehdi, Yasir Habib Khan and Aamir Khan.

One night after dinner, Komal Saleem and I visited nearby shopping places and lost our way back to the hotel. We inquired about the location of the hotel from almost 35 people. Yet, no one could guide us as they were unable to understand English. At last, we used Google translator and showed the Chinese translation to a nice young lad on a bicycle, who guided us to the hotel. One important thing to point out is that the head of any institute or organisation does not address their audience in a foreign language. They take a translator along everywhere they proceed in some foreign land.

China is rich in every sense. According to the archaeological testimony, the present human history is two million years old while one in China is 22.5 lakh years old. They even have a record of ancestors, who resembled like humans. The first man probably belonged to the land of opportunities. In Mandarin, China is called Zhong Guo, which means the “central country.”

China did not persist in its existence but linked it with development.

Inventions like paper, the compass, explosives and publications graced China; making it a leader in all fields. We are friends but still, we cannot set our priorities. It is a famous saying that neighbours are closer and helpful than relatives as they stand by us in sorrow and happiness. China is our neighbour. We love each other and realise that these matters are not similar to the dramatic love stories of Heer Ranjha and Sohni Mahiwal, but the love is real in all its meanings. In the past, we kept Russia at a distance and ignored China unnecessarily. Relations never end, but sessions of coldness have come from time to time. Today, we are friends whether we are far or near. There may be doubts on both sides, but friendship with China is beyond all shadows of doubt.

China wants to have ties with the world based on equality as it believes in the policy of “live and let live.”

Thousands of years of history of China revealed that it always adopted the principle of non-intervention in others’ affairs. Peaceful people do not allow anyone to interfere in their matters. China wants to have ties with the world based on equality as it believes in the policy of “live and let live.”

Most population of China is atheist but possesses high moral values and believes in service to humanity.

While describing the importance of education, our dear Prophet (PBUH) stated that you should seek knowledge even if you have to go to China. He referred to China and acknowledged their superiority.

Today, we have to understand the wisdom hidden in their view and strengthen friendship with China. Hopefully, relations between Pakistan and China would keep on nourishing in the coming days.

Today, when Pakistan is facing a lot of economic and social challenges and is supposed to be isolated globally, it needs a sincere friend to not only hold his hand and help get rid of the situation but also stand with it against the aggressive behaviour of the current powers.

There is no grouping in Pakistan, regarding China. The whole nation, institutions and the government are united and this friendship is stronger at the public level, as compared to the government.

Chinese rulers always appreciate the passionate emotions of Pakistan’s 1949 efforts when Pakistan played its role in introducing China in the world. Today, the Chinese nation and the government are playing their role in getting Pakistan out of this situation.

It is the need of the hour to change ourselves along with the expectations of the government. We should think about how a country getting freedom in 1949 has become a superpower today. The history of our friendship with China is linked with its independence journey. We got freedom before, but our freedom was limited to registration on the world map only. Whereas, China was very successful in introducing itself as a sovereign country economically as well as politically. Apart from political stability, the resolute and commitment of people and the government of China played a great role in its development.

China is moving forward on the road of continuous economic freedom, whereas we do not have any other matter of significance other than mutual conflicts. The purpose of all efforts of political parties for domestic development is just to get political benefits. Due to rumours, political and democratic instability, we are still unable to see the real face of freedom. Nowadays, many projects are set to be completed in Pakistan with the help of China, including CPEC, which have common importance for both countries. People who simply raise slogans should be aware of China’s half-century struggle. Now, the opposition should realise that staging sit-in and placing obstacles in the way of the government is not its only duty. Its leaders are also supposed to give wise advice and positive criticism on wrong policies. If we have to start the journey of economic freedom, we need to follow the progress plan of China. Pak-China’s friendship is like a powerful river. Both countries are constantly progressing by moving on their separate paths by avoiding the conspiracies of the time. The Orange train is a gift that contains no-interest loans. Prime Minister Imran Khan has strengthened China’s friendship with his visit and has shown to the world that China is our friend in all circumstances. China does not interfere in religious, political and social matters of other countries. We have to follow China’s policy in this regard as well.

Time is not far when Pakistan will emerge as a great nation on the map of the world and will be fully independent in making decisions. Those who dream of breaking down our geography would simply have their hands empty. Today, China’s existence in Pakistan is linked with the projects started mutually by Pakistan and China but we should remember that China helped us, supported us, gave us confidence and supported our viewpoint when the world had left us. To forget those who helped in times of trouble is not our culture. May the friendship river of China and Pakistan flow forever; giving prosperity and beauty to life!

The writer is a freelancer