ISLAMABAD: A senior Pakistani diplomat has strongly believed that Islamabad-Beijing relations have been a symbol of solid mutual support reflected in the expression “iron brothers.”
Ambassador Sohail Mehmood, DG Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad was speaking at a book launching event at the ISSI on Wednesday.
According to a press release the China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) organised the launching of a book titled “Cheeni Saqafat Kay Tabinda Nuqoosh” written by Sultan Mehmood Hali at the ISSI on Wednesday.
Ambassador Sohail Mehmood in his remarks said there are rarely any examples of as close a bilateral relationship in international politics as that of Pakistan and China. He noted cultural ties between Pakistan and China are also of utmost importance.
He added in this respect, this latest book by Sultan Mehmood Hali covers the major facets of China’s millennia-old history and culture and raises awareness of this rich heritage in Pakistan. He added that the future of the world would be increasingly shaped by China in the coming decades.
The DG ISSI went on to say we must strive to imbibe as much as possible from the Chinese experience of reform, modernization, and cultural strength.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood further added that the major-power contestation was creating new anxieties in the world and narratives against China’s ‘peaceful rise’ and China’s major relationships were being built. He stressed there is a need to have an effective and sustained counter-narrative that would present CPEC and the China-Pakistan relationship in a positive, forward-looking perspective.
Dr. Raja Mazhar Hameed, former MD National Book Foundation, as keynote speaker, praised Hali as a renowned writer. He highlighted that the book is crucial for the current times, providing guidance on adopting Chinese paradigms.
The scholar urged the audience to explore the book, which he found particularly inspiring and stressed the importance of learning from China’s progress and patience.
Dr Zobia Sultana, Director Research, Lok Virsa, spoke about the significance of culture as the foundation of all disciplines and a multidisciplinary field. She said culture is now recognized as a vital tool for diplomacy and bringing people together.
Dr Shafei Moiz Hali, Associate Professor at National Defence University, Dr. Shafei Moiz Hali added that the book has been a result of the author’s years of experience as a connoisseur of Chinese culture starting as far back as 1974. He said the book is a collection of stories from someone who has seen China grow from a sleeping giant to becoming an international powerhouse.
Yousuf Aziz, Former Secretary PEMRA said that much is needed for the world to know about China despite the fact that it has built its diplomatic relations with almost all countries of the world. He noted the Chinese people also have great admiration for Pakistani people and culture.
Wang Shengjie, Political Counsellor at the Embassy of China in Pakistan, endorsed positive remarks shared by others, emphasizing the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, which the book beautifully illustrates. He shared his personal impression of the book, highlighting its coverage of Chinese food, dress culture and heritage. He noted that the book serves as a bridge between the people of both countries, fostering closer relations by providing a true perspective on Chinese culture.
The author of the book, Sultan Mehmood Hali, expressed gratitude to the National Book Foundation and the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad for publishing the book and organising the event, respectively. He shared personal experiences of visiting China, highlighting the deep cultural connections between the two countries. He noted that China’s progress is deeply rooted in its rich ancient culture.
Dr. Talat Shabbir DG CPSC in his remarks said the book offers a rich reflection of Chinese culture, woven with traditions, arts, history, and social customs.
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG ISSI, said that China is a diverse country with belief systems including Confucianism, Taoism, Islam and Christianity. He said the book has presented this complexity well and provided profound insights into Chinese culture in this respect.
