PESHAWAR: A colourful and culturally enriching ceremony was held here on Tuesday at China Window Peshawar to mark the beginning of Chinese new year and spring festival.

The day-long celebrations featured a diverse range of activities and exhibits, symbolising the unity and mutual respect between Pakistan and China. The event served as a platform to highlight the shared cultural values and aspirations of the two nations.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry and Inspector General Police Akhtar Hayat Khan attended the ceremony as chief guests.

Other guests included former world squash champion Qamar Zaman, prominent businessman Imtiaz Ahmed and a large number of people from diverse backgrounds. A cake-cutting ceremony further enhanced the festive atmosphere.

In his address, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry emphasised the deep-rooted and historic bond between Pakistan and China, often referred to as “iron brothers”. He eloquently described the bilateral relationship as being “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the seas”.

He highlighted the growing people-to-people connections between the two nations, citing the active participation of Pakistanis and Chinese in each other’s cultural events as a testament to their camaraderie.

On behalf of the people of Peshawar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he extended heartfelt New Year wishes to the Chinese community, expressing optimism about the continued strengthening of Pak-China relations.

Akhtar Hayat Khan underscored the significance of sharing celebrations to foster the longstanding friendship between the two nations.

He praised China’s substantial contributions to Pakistan’s economic development, particularly through the transformative China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He assured Chinese investors of unwavering security measures, reaffirming the provincial police’s commitment to maintaining peace and ensuring their safety.

Qamar Zaman also conveyed his well wishes to the Chinese community, expressing hope for continued prosperity and development in China. Imtiaz Ahmed echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of cultural exchange in deepening mutual understanding.

The lively festivities at China Window Cultural Centre not only celebrated the Chinese New Year but also reinforced the enduring partnership and shared vision for a brighter future between Pakistan and China.

Published in Dawn, January 29th, 2025