ISLAMABAD: Pakistan-China Friendship Association (PCFA-KP) has celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa House in Islamabad on Thursday.
The celebrations were attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Babar Saleem Swati, Minister Arshad Ayub Khan, and provincial Parliamentary leaders.
Speaking at the event, Yousaf Ayub Khan, President of the Pakistan-China Friendship Association, extended heartfelt greetings to the Chinese people and leadership on this significant Platinum Jubilee.
Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, Khan announced plans to celebrate the anniversary not only in Islamabad but also in sister cities like Abbottabad and Peshawar. He noted that 2025 will mark the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Urumqi and Peshawar, with events such as China Week in Peshawar and Pakistan Week in Urumqi aimed at showcasing cultural heritage.
Yousaf Ayub Khan emphasized the longstanding friendship between Xinjiang and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and expressed a desire to establish an exchange delegation to foster mutual understanding. He also extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Jiang for a visit to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly along the historic Silk Route.
Acknowledging the importance of parliamentary interactions, Ayub Khan expressed hope for enhanced collaboration with the Communist Party of China, encouraging the participation of delegations to share experiences.
He reaffirmed the collective responsibility to nurture and pass on the strong ties between Pakistan and China to future generations, ensuring continued prosperity for both nations.
Babar Saleem Swati, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Pakistan-China Friendship Association for facilitating the event. He praised China’s remarkable achievements as a model for Pakistan, urging the nation to learn from its “Iron Brother” in pursuit of shared economic prosperity.
Swati commended the association for its longstanding efforts since its establishment in 1970 and highlighted the importance of deepening parliamentary ties to foster meaningful connections. He proposed inviting a delegation from the International Department of the Communist Party of China to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing the potential for balanced economic growth through shared experiences.
He also suggested twinning the historical city of Mansehra, a key Silk Road stop, with a Chinese city, following the model of existing sister city relationships in Abbottabad and Peshawar. Swati extended a formal invitation to Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to visit the Provincial Assembly, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations further.
He acknowledged the significant role of China in Pakistan’s development, particularly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and expressed confidence that the friendship between the two nations will continue to flourish. Swati encouraged further dialogue on enhancing the already exemplary relations between Pakistan and China.
