Chinese Cultural Counsellor Emphasizes the Interconnected Future of Pakistan and China

Chinese Cultural Counsellor Chen Ping on Tuesday highlighted the interconnected future of Pakistan and China, stressing the importance of cultural exchanges between the two nations.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the two-day event ‘Pak-China Classical Literature’ at the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), which was organized to launch its latest publications. Chen Ping commended the academy’s efforts in translating literary works and underlined the significance of these exchanges in fostering a deeper connection between both countries.

The Cultural Counsellor emphasized the idea of a shared future for Pakistan and China and how cultural and literary dialogues play an essential role in strengthening the relationship between the two nations. He referred to the emerging Pak-China community as a foundation for long-term bilateral cooperation.

Dr. Najeeba Arif, Chairperson of PAL, discussed the academy’s role in nurturing Pak-China literary and cultural ties, mentioning the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with China. These agreements have led to the translation of three Chinese books into Urdu, with two more expected to be published soon. Additionally, China has also published five Pakistani books in the Chinese language.

Iftikhar Arif, President of the session, emphasized the importance of strengthening literary ties between the two countries. He called for the revival of exchange visits between Pakistani and Chinese writers, noting how such exchanges have previously led to the documentation of experiences in travelogues.

Other speakers at the event, including renowned poet Dr. Waheed Ahmed, former ambassador Syed Abrar Hussain, and former president of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Zafar Bakhtawari, highlighted the importance of Pak-China relations and the role of literature in fostering mutual understanding.

The newly published translations of Pak-China classical literature included titles like ‘Afshaye Raaz,’ ‘Darya-e Hulan ki Kahanian,’ and ‘Men Hawa Mulan hu.’ The ceremony was also attended by delegates from the Young Writers’ Inter-Provincial Residency Program, which runs for 10 days.