Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi gives a keynote speech at the Pakistan Civil Award Investiture Ceremony in Beijing on August 14, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Embassy of Pakistan in China

Embassy of Pakistan in China celebrated the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan in Beijing on Wednesday. Activities were hosted at the embassy. The friendship between China and Pakistan was also celebrated at an award ceremony.    

Early in the morning, officials and Pakistani community participated in a flag hoisting ceremony to celebrate the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan. Holding their national flags, Pakistani children smiled in the morning sunshine. 

Messages from President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari, as well as Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif were extended to the audience. 

In his keynote speech, Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi said, "This day marks a celebration of our nation's enduring spirit, a testament to the sacrifices and unwavering resolve of our founding fathers, who paved the path for our freedom. As we unfurl our national flag today, let us reflect on the progress we have made and renew our commitment toward a prosperous and peaceful country." 

The ambassador also stressed the friendship between Pakistan and China. 

"Here in China, we are privileged to witness the blossoming of a friendship that has grown alongside our nation's journey. The bond between Pakistan and China, characterized by mutual respect and a shared vision, is unparalleled in inter-state relations," he said. 

He also urged the attendees to contribute more to strengthen bilateral relations. 

"We are resolved to further solidify this friendship. I call upon the Pakistani community in China to continue playing its vital role in strengthening this unique relationship," the ambassador noted. 

Moreover, the Embassy of Pakistan in China hosted a Pakistan Civil Award Investiture Ceremony. Two representatives who contributed to the bilateral ties - Sha Zukang, former permanent representative of China to the UN and president of the China-Pakistan Friendship Association, and Nong Rong, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and former ambassador of China to Pakistan - were awarded. 

Ambassador Hashmi, on behalf of the president of Pakistan, conferred the prestigious "Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam" award. 

In his remarks, the ambassador extended heartfelt congratulations and paid a rich tribute to the contributions made by the two dignitaries. He highlighted the significant impact of their efforts in bilateral relations and beyond. 

"I have the honor to witness and personally engage myself in the promotion of China-Pakistan friendship," Sha said. 

Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi (center) and the guests at the Pakistan Civil Award Investiture Ceremony pose for a group photo at Embassy of Pakistan in China on August 14, 2024. Photo: Courtesy of Embassy of Pakistan in China

Since the establishment of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations, Pakistan has been consistently supporting China in maintaining independence, national sovereignty and territory integrity. Pakistan has been consistently and firmly supporting China's social and economic development. At the same time, Pakistan has always been supportive of China's international initiatives and proposals, including the establishment and construction of a community of shared interests. 

"I take it, this support of Pakistan to China is most valued. This support cannot be measured in cash," Sha noted. 

"We should take and we do, take this friendship, as radical assets of our peoples, particularly at a time when we are undergoing centenary changes in the world situation. To further promote the traditional friendship between China and Pakistan and deepen our solidarity and cooperation carries special important significance," he stressed. 

Nong also expressed his gratitude to the president of Pakistan for the honor and reaffirmed his commitment to further advancing the China-Pakistan relationship.

"The friendship between China and Pakistan is higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the ocean, sweeter than honey, stronger than steel. The iron clad friendship between China and Pakistan is deeply rooted in the hearts of our two peoples," he said. 

Nong continued recalling the meetings between the state leaders of the two countries.

"I have every confidence in the future of China-Pakistan relations and stand ready to continue to contribute to this friendship," said Nong. 

On the sideline of the activities, in an interview with the Global Times, Ambassador Hashmi also recalled the salience of the time-tested, all-weather friendship between China and Pakistan, describing it as a model of inter-state relations based on mutual respect, strategic trust, and a shared vision for global peace and development.

Talking about developing and strengthening the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the ambassador said, "I think it's fair to say that there is no dimension that we have not touched bilaterally. So we work on the diplomatic front, on the political front, on defense, economic trade, investment, culture, education, agriculture, the science of technology, and people to people [exchanges]. In our relationship, our cooperation has even gone to space with the launch of a satellite."

He also highlighted investment opportunities in Pakistan. 

"Right now we are very much focused on the economic side of the relationship because it's mutually beneficial in the sense that Chinese enterprises are small-, medium- and large-state-owned and private enterprises. They have a lot of expertise, they have a lot of management experience, technology and capital. They can invest in Pakistan." 

Talking about the outlook for cooperation between China and Pakistan in cultural heritage and cultural relics protection efforts, the ambassador said, "There's a lot of heritage from Buddhist sites that are in Pakistan that go back centuries and millennia." 

Pakistan has featured some artifacts in an exhibition at the Capital Museum in Beijing for three months. Taking popularity into account, the exhibition was also showcased at other locations such as Gansu Province and Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. 

"We are also starting a project that is looking at the two civilizations. The civilization that flourished along the Indus River in Pakistan and one of the most significant rivers in China - the Yangtze River. 

"Experts from the two sides - archaeologists and historians - are working together and they will undergo field visits while doing some research and this will lead to a book but also an exhibition and hopefully also a documentary," he introduced.