Chinese National Day celebrated at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House

Islamabad. The Pakistan-China Friendship Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PCFA-KP) held a special event at Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House here to celebrate the 75th National Day of the People’s Republic of China.

This significant occasion brought together esteemed guests, including Babar Saleem Swati, Speaker of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Xiadong, symbolizing the enduring bond between Pakistan and China.

During his speech, Speaker Swati extended heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government, highlighting the resilient and profound friendship shared by Pakistan and China. He beautifully described this bond as “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the sea,” conveying the strength and depth of this alliance.

Arshad Ayub Khan, Minister of Local Government, Elections, and Rural Development, also spoke passionately about the importance of this friendship, referring to China as Pakistan’s “Iron Brother.” He praised PCFA-KP’s efforts in organizing the event and encouraged participants to draw inspiration from China’s remarkable economic achievements, urging them to commit to Pakistan’s progress with similar dedication.

Khan further emphasized the existing sister city partnerships between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and China’s Xinjiang region, expressing his hopes for expanded cooperation. He encouraged PCFA-KP to take proactive initiatives and assured participants of the Provincial Cabinet’s support for future projects. Anticipating visits from Ambassador Jiang and his team, he looked forward to the upcoming 40th anniversary of the Peshawar-Urumqi sister city partnership in 2025, which promises to celebrate both the history and potential of this relationship.

Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, Secretary-General of PCFA-KP, shared insights into the association’s rich heritage, tracing its roots to its founding as the Pak China Students Friendship Association in Peshawar in 1970. Over the years, PCFA-KP has played a key role in strengthening people-to-people connections, creating a bond that transcends borders and nurtures genuine friendship.

In a move to deepen this alliance, PCFA-KP proposed establishing sister city relationships with cities along the historic Silk Route, such as Manshera, and along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), including D.I. Khan, to foster cultural exchange and collaboration. This initiative aims to bridge communities and enhance mutual understanding between Pakistan and China.

The ceremony honored the longstanding friendship between the two nations, underscoring a partnership rooted not only in political ties but in respect, shared values, and mutual support. Each moment reflected a commitment to cooperation and illustrated how Pakistan and China stand together, supporting one another on the path forward.