Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of The People’s Republic of China
The Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (CCLS) attended the grand celebration of China's National Day, held on September, 22nd 2024 at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore. Representing LUMS, Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost; Dr. Sikander Ahmad Shah, Director CCLS; Ms. Minahil Riaz Toor, Operations and Outreach Lead; and Ms. Hui Qi, our Chinese instructor, joined a distinguished gathering of dignitaries and members of the Chinese community, reinforcing the strong ties between the two nations.
The ceremony commenced with the singing of both the Chinese and Pakistani national anthems, setting a festive tone for the evening. Guests enjoyed a variety of traditional Chinese performances, including a spectacular dragon dance and mesmerizing kung fu demonstrations, highlighting the vibrant cultural heritage of China.
The event was graciously hosted by H.E. Zhao Shiren, Consul General of the Chinese Consulate in Lahore. Among the notable guests were H.E. Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab; Mr. Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, Governor of Punjab; and Mr. Malik Ahmad Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. The event also saw the presence of executive members from both the Chinese and Pakistani corporate sectors, as well as members of the Chinese community in Pakistan, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
During his address, H.E. Zhao Shiren reflected on the deep-rooted diplomatic history between China and Pakistan. He remarked, “The 73-year-old diplomatic history testifies that the Chinese people have been in solidarity with their Pakistani friends. China and Pakistan stand by each other along the way. Our relationship is all-weather instead of fair-weather. Our mutual support in bilateral and multilateral fora is timely, essential, and even consequential. Our friendship is out of sincerity, respect, and mutual love, not out of convenience. I wish China continued strength in its modernization drive. I wish Pakistan peace, development, and prosperity, and I wish Punjab a better socioeconomic landscape and a brighter future ahead.”
H.E. Maryam Nawaz expressed her pride in participating in China’s National Day celebrations, stating, “This is indeed a momentous occasion to celebrate China's National Day. The enduring friendship between Pakistan and China is grounded in mutual respect and shared aspirations for a prosperous future. This relationship, akin to a brotherhood, reflects China's unwavering support for Pakistan throughout the years. As we commemorate this significant day, we express our hope that the bond between our two nations continues to strengthen and flourish, paving the way for even greater collaboration and mutual growth in the years to come."
The event served as a vibrant reminder of the shared values and aspirations that bind the two nations together, fostering a spirit of cooperation and goodwill that is sure to thrive in the years to come.