Report by : Tooba Khan
Peshawar: China Study Center, University of Peshawar celebrated 73rd Independence Day of the People Republic of China on 1st October 2022 at the conference hall of the Center. Special Assistant to Chief Minister KP for Information and Public Relations, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif was the Chief Guest of the event. On the Occasion the Chief Guest congratulated Chinese people on their independence day and advised students to pay attention to understanding Chinese culture, history and civilization. He said the Pakistan and China have very friendly relations and the young generation should benefit from this all-weather friendship. He particularly emphasized on galvanizing people to people contacts between the two countries. The honorable Chief Guest talked about his several visits to China since the start of the 21st Century.
The program started with recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the national anthem of Pakistan and China. Prof Dr Zahid Anwar Pro Vice Chancellor and Director China Study Center, University of Peshawar said the China Study Center, at University of Peshawar was established in 2016 with cooperation from the China Embassy in Pakistan. After his becoming the Director of the Center, the China Embassy gave PKR 23 million grant for scholarship, equipment and research which was properly distributed among the students , schools, Centers and departments of the University. For its excellent performance China Study Center University of Peshawar the only Center from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was selected by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan to promote its programs and a grant of more than 20 million was given. The Center is thankful to the Government for its support to strengthen people to people contacts between the two countries. China Study center has organized more than 300 events on BRI, CPEC, Pakistan China Relations and Regional issues and submitted its reports to the quarter concerned. 
Mr Sayed Ali Nawaz Gilani General Secretary Pakistan China Friendship Association KP Chapter in his speech said that Pakistan and China Relations have strengthened with passage of time. Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani Secretary-General PCFA & President Radio China Listener’s Club Peshawar while speaking on the occasion said China is now Rising and Shining across the globe due to its systems and this is a great lesson to learn which is the need of the hour. While celebrating 73rd Founding Day of the People’s Republic of China today we should also follow our time tested friendly advice. There are rich opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province to move ahead for socio economic developments. Traditionally the relations with China are very old. Peshawar Urumqi and Abbottabad Kashgar are sister cities since 1985 and 2007 respectively. The Provincial Cabinet already approved twinning to other cities which will soon be finalized and open a new chapter of Friendship and we can benefit from Chinese experience in various fields for mutual interest. He particularly highlighted the role of the CPC in making China a great economic and political power. After the speech of the Chief Guest the cake cutting ceremony took place which was followed by a group photo and refreshments. In the question answer session it was suggested that to ease trade and strengthen people to people contact flights from Peshawar to Urumqi and Kashgar ( Kashi) should be started. The Director of the China Study Center thanked the Chief Guest, distinguished speakers and other participants for their sparing time on weekend to come and participate in the Independence Day celebrations of China. A large number of officials, pro Vice Chancellors, Deans, experts on China, faculty and students participated in the event.