ISLAMABAD: After turning to HD telecast, PTV World on Friday launched the first Sino-Pak joint documentary “From Xi’an to Gwadar Port”, highlighting the struggle and determinations of the two nations in establishing the road links.

The documentary has been completed in four years, and contains picturesque views of the Karakorum Highway (KKH) and the key point of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Gwadar port.

Addressing the launching ceremony held at PTV headquarters, director of the documentary Bai Zhijun said the historic and cultural links between China and Pakistan were modernised and strengthened with the building of the KKH.

The documentary showcased the difficulties in the construction of the monumental highway across the tallest mountains of the world with the display of original footages taken by the camera crew in 1960s.

Mr Zhijun said, “With one casualty after almost every kilometer the KKH is a marvel of engineering and it was achieved only with the sprite of dedication especially considering the limited technology available at that time.”

He said like the KKH that had linked the two nations through a modern road, he and his team will continue to bring the peoples of China and Pakistan closer through his camera.

Eminent artist Jamal Shah, co-director in the project, said the idea was conceived when he was the DG Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) and several cultural exchanges were initiated.

“This is a series of 10 episodes and the remaining nine episodes will cover other aspects of CPEC including the lifestyle of communities along the CPEC route and its economic benefits,” Mr Shah added.

Khalil Hashmi, ambassador of Pakistan to China, said there were ancient links between the Indus River Civilisation and the Yangtze River Civilisation and the experts in China were conducting studies in this subject.

“Both the rivers originate in the Shezan region of China that is also called Tibet, and were the cradles of human development,” Mr Hashmi said, adding: “The research paper will be finalised soon in this regard.”

He added that the documentary on KKH was the human face of the monumental task and highlights the bonds of dedication between the two countries.

Published in Dawn, October 12th, 2024