KARACHI, MAY 29 /DNA/ – Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, in collaboration with the Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liaison Office Karachi, organized a “Chinese Film Screening” at Auditorium I as part of the celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, Yang Yundong, attended the event as the chief guest. The ceremony was attended by President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah (Hilal-e-Imtiaz & Sitara-e-Imtiaz), Director General MOFA Muhammad Irfan Soomro, Vice Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Mr. Feng Daheng, Vice Consul Li Chong, Muhammad Saqib Sadakat (Bangladesh), Consul General of Indonesia Mr. Mudzakir, Herman Hardynata Bin Ahmad (Malaysia), Consul General of Sri Lanka Sanjeewa Pattivila, Thailand’s Surashete Boontinand, Consul General of Türkiye Ergul Kadak, Dr. Saif ur Rehman from Burkina Faso, Honorary Consul General Philippines Dr. Imran Yousuf, Honorary Consul Ethiopia Ibrahim Khalid Tawab, Honorary Consul Republic of Côte d’Ivoire Fazal Karim Dadabhoy, Atif Farooqi of Romania Business Council, Honorary Consul Ireland Karachi Osman Khan, Tushna Patel from the Honorary Consulate of Austria, Honorary Trade Advisor Sudan Taab Ahmed, Honorary Consul General Yemen Dr. Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig, Honorary Consul General Morocco Mirza Ishtiaq Baig, Honorary Consul General Malawi Abdullah Zaki, Vice President Arts Council Munawar Saeed, Secretary Ejaz Farooqi, Farrukh Shahab, along with a large number of people who admire Pakistan-China friendship. The purpose of the event was to further strengthen the long-standing friendship, cultural connections, and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. *The ceremony began with the national anthems of Pakistan and China, while a song was also played to pay tribute to the Pak-China friendship, based on the joint singing of Pakistani and Chinese singers. A cake was also cut to celebrate the 75th anniversary festivities. During the film screening, “The Shadow Chaser” was screened, featuring Jackie Chan in the lead role. In his welcome address, President Arts Council Muhammad Ahmed Shah said, “I warmly welcome all guests from the depths of my heart. It is an honour for me that today’s ceremony is being held at the Arts Council. Seventy-five years — three-quarters of a century. During these decades filled with changes, challenges, and evolving circumstances, the relationship between our two countries has not only remained intact but has become stronger, broader, and more prosperous. The way Pakistan and China have stood by each other with steadfastness is rarely seen in the world.”He said, “Our relations are not limited only to trade, corridors, and infrastructure. The hearts of our peoples are tied in a deep bond. Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has always believed that culture is not merely a side aspect of a nation’s development but its very foundation. Over the past two years, we have had the honor of successfully organizing the World Culture Festival in Karachi, where artists from more than 140 countries of the world participated. Art erases borders. The friendship between Pakistan and China is a deep human relationship.” He further said, “Today’s cultural ceremony and film screening reflect the same spirit. Cinema, like other great arts, takes us across borders without travelling. We must also look toward the future with hope and confidence.” Consul General of the People’s Republic of China H.E. Yang Yundong said, “Today we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. This is not only a celebration of friendship between two countries but also a shining symbol of trust, sincerity, mutual respect, and commitment to a shared future. China and Pakistan have stood together in every difficult time. This is why the relations between China and Pakistan have become even stronger and deeper over time.” He said, “Today the world is changing rapidly. We must further promote cooperation in education, technical training, digital economy, science, and innovation so that better employment opportunities and a brighter future can be provided to the youth.” He added, “China believes that youth are the greatest asset of any nation. Pakistan’s youth possess immense capabilities, which can play a key role in further strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the future. I extend heartfelt congratulations to the people of Pakistan and pray that the everlasting friendship between both countries always remains strong and enduring.” Director General (MOFA) Irfan Soomro said, “The 75-year friendship between Pakistan and China is not limited only to a small scale; rather, it can also clearly be seen on a larger scale. China’s development serves as an important lesson for Pakistan. Discipline, long-term planning, and investment in human resources are the elements that change the destiny of nations.” He said, “Through CPEC and strategic partnership, Pakistan is moving toward economic modernization and shared prosperity. More than 800 million people in China have now been empowered, which is clear proof of its social and economic development.” He further stated, “Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has given diplomacy a new dimension through culture, music, literature, and cinema. Karachi is being introduced on the global stage, and the city is rapidly emerging as a global cultural hub. The Chinese Film Festival is a wonderful example of promoting people-to-people connections and Pak-China friendship.” He added, “Ahmed Shah is an energetic leader who fulfills his promises in practical terms. He has played an important role in introducing Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi at the international level.” At the ceremony, President Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi Muhammad Ahmed Shah presented bouquets on behalf of the Arts Council to chief guest, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China H.E. Yang Yundong and Director General MOFA Muhammad Irfan Soomro.
