Pakistan, China unveil sculptures of premier leaders

Islamabad: Pakistan and China have unveiled sculptures of the founding fathers of both nations – Chairman Mao Zedong of China and Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah of Pakistan – at an event here presided by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

A visiting Chinese delegation performed the inauguration. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the event a testament to the historic bonds between the two nations. The niece of Chairman Mao Zedong, Mao Xiaoqing also graced the event.

The event honoured the pivotal roles of Chairman Mao and Quaid-e-Azam in shaping the destinies of their respective nations. Chairman Mao led China through a transformative revolution, laying the foundation for its rise as a global power, while Quaid-e-Azam, revered as Pakistan’s father of the nation, spearheaded the movement for the creation of an independent homeland for Muslims in South Asia.

Last year, Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in Beijing unveiled similar statues of the two leaders during a ceremony attended by high-ranking Chinese officials and dignitaries.

The sculptures unveiled in Pakistan’s federal capital were created by veteran Chinese artist Yuan Xikun, who expressed his pride in contributing to this historic project.

“It’s a great honour for me to be here at the Prime Minister’s Office for the unveiling ceremony of the sculptures of Pakistan’s father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the brave leader of China, Chairman Mao Zedong, which I had been invited to create,” Yuan said.

“It’s the best commemoration of the 148th anniversary of the birth of Jinnah and the 131st anniversary of the birth of Mao Zedong,” he added.

Pakistan marked Quaid-e-Azam’s birth anniversary, which falls on December 25, just a day ago, while China commemorated Chairman Mao’s birthday on Thursday December 26.

The Chinese sculptor said the inauguration of the statues reaffirmed the common admiration and respect that the two nations have for their leaders. He maintained the ceremony symbolized the brotherhood between the two countries.

On the occasion Prime Minister Sharif underscored the depth of Pakistan-China relations, describing them as a model of mutual respect, trust and cooperation.

“The historic bonds between Pakistan and China forged over decades are a testament to our shared values, mutual respect, trust, and cooperation,” he said.

Highlighting the multifaceted collaboration between the two nations, Sharif praised initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), cultural exchanges and educational programs.

“Hundreds of young Pakistani students visiting Chinese universities and learning Mandarin are building a bridge between Beijing and Islamabad,” he added, adding the first batch of Pakistani agriculture graduates would visit China early next year to gain expertise in modern farming techniques.

He said the historic bonds between Pakistan and China spanned over decades was a testament to our shared values, of mutual respect, trust and cooperation.

The Prime Minister highlighted that both leaders recognized the immense Pakistan-China relations and “today our all-weather strategic partnership is an anchor of regional stability under these challenging global circumstances”.

He said Quaid-e-Azam was the founder of Pakistan and his great leadership played a decisive role in carving out Pakistan from the sub-continent through outstanding leadership and great sacrifices by the Muslims.

Appreciating the great work done by Chinese renowned artist and sculptor Yaun Xikum who made the sculptures of the great leaders, the prime minister said he had wonderfully, captured the essence of these two iconic leaders.

The Prime Minister recalled that during his recent visit to China in June this year, on the recommendation of President Xi, he went to Xian and had the opportunity to visit the Terra Cotta museum, a symbol of past glorious heritage.

He said Pakistan proudly traced its history to the Indus Valley civilization, whose relics were preserved in Mohenjo Daro and Harappa.

“So by these accounts, today’s ceremony is very special and unique as we honour the vision and legacies of our founding fathers who held a common vision of independence, justice, equity, emancipation and self-respect for the two nations,” he added.

The Prime Minister said that hundreds of Pakistani young students were visiting Chinese universities and was a bridge between the two countries.

“The first batch of agricultural graduates is going to visit China and have education in the field to attain modern techniques and expertise in agriculture to boost production of Pakistan agriculture next month which is yet another step towards our economic cooperation,” he said.

In his speech, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan and China were enjoying strong bonds for decades and the relationship was further strengthening with the passage of time.

Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Pakistan Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and other high officials were also present on the occasion.