The 1st of October is an important day in China, because, after a long struggle of 28 years, China was liberated on the 1st of October 1949. Every year, the Day is celebrated as China’s National Day. Official parades, ceremonies, and various activities are organized throughout the country and in Chinese Embassies all over the world. 1.4 Billion Chinese and all friends of China celebrate the day, with joy and pleasure.
Even in Pakistan, some hotels and shopping malls are decorated in Chinese styles marking the Day and showing solidarity with China. Some of the outlets are offering special discounts too. Maybe it is a business technique to attract Chinese customers. Currently, China is a nation with the highest purchasing power and all business are trying their best to attract Chinese customers, anyhow, festival environments are visible in Islamabad.
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China is the most friendly country and a major trading partner. In fact, China is a strategic partner of Pakistan. The diplomatic and political relations are cordial and in perfect harmony. Both nations enjoy identical views on domestic, regional, and international affairs and supporting each other on all international platforms.
Both countries have a track record of standing side by side, in all difficult moments, either it was Western sanction on China in the 1950s, or 1962 war between China and India, or Pakistan-India war in 1965 or 1971, both countries stood side by side and termed as time tested, and all-weather friends. In fact, the leadership of the two nations, express this relationship as higher than mountains, sweeter than honey, deeper than oceans, and stronger than steel.
China committed to uplifting Pakistan
The construction of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) was just the beginning of economic cooperation. The KKH is known as the roof of the world as it is elevated at several thousand meters above sea level and passing through high mountains. The construction of KKH is known as a miracle and a symbol of Pak-China pure friendship. It has cost not only money but precious human lives of Chinese and Pakistani engineers and workers. The cemeteries of Chinese martyrs are witnessing the true friendship of China. The KKH is the major route linking the Northern areas with the rest of Pakistan. Its importance is not to boost the economy but vital for defense point of view.
Heavy mechanical Complex, Heavy Electrical Complex, and many industrial units constructed by China were the milestone in the industrialization of Pakistan. Nuclear Power generation is the major source of cost-effective electricity, and China is there to assist Pakistan to overcome its shortage of electricity through nuclear power plants. A series of nuclear power plants have been completed and few are under execution or in the pipeline. Pakistan is not only facing a shortage of electricity but also facing a high-cost issue. Nuclear energy is one of the most cost-effective means of generating electricity. And China is assisting Pakistan.
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China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a mega initiative and aimed to uplift Pakistan economically. Already, US dollars 28 billion approximately has been invested in Pakistan and the commitment is around 62 billion. China is the largest investor in Pakistan. CPEC has helped Pakistan to get rid of prolonged load shedding, and improve the network of moto ways and highways, connecting all major parts of Pakistan.
The newly constructed motorways and highways have improved the transport of goods and passengers, speeded up the economic activities, and contributed to Pakistan’s economy directly. Even, the far-flung areas are enjoying the economic benefits of CPEC. As a matter of fact, CPEC is oxygen for the ailing economy of Pakistan, and availing this opportunity, Pakistan can take off economically.
China’s visionary leadership leading the nation to success
Chinese brothers and sisters are celebrating National Day with full joy and enthusiasm. China has had mega achievements in the last four decades, but the high-quality achievements were made during the last decade under the visionary leadership of President Xi Jinping.
Although it was the hard work of the Chinese public, the visionary leadership has provided enabling environment, where the whole nation was facilitated under friendly policies and incentives to focus on their work only. The public was engaged only in productivity and the government was looking after their safety, welfare, and protection, as a result, China achieved unmatched developments.
China has emerged as the second-largest economy, the highest rate of growth, the most prosperous society with the highest index in purchasing power, and the happiest nation, with zero poverty rate. China is the only nation, who achieved Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in respect of fighting against poverty well in advance.
Chinese victory against COVID-19 is also a benchmark and role model for the rest of the World. Chinese experience to overcome COVID-19 has become the guidelines. Chinese vaccine is a public good and is widely used internationally, with no reported side effects.
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Pakistan is proud of its friendship with China and congratulates all our Chinese brothers and sisters at this pleasant moment of Chinese National Day. Wishing them good health, prosperity, and long life. China-Pakistan Traditional Friendship long lives.
Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. He can be reached at awanzamir@yahoo.com. The views expressed in the article are the authors’ own and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Global Village Space.