RAWALPINDI: A one-million strong jubilant crowd accorded a memorable welcome this morning [March 26] to Mr Liu Shao-chi, Chairman of the People’s Republic of China, who flew in directly from Sinkiang by a special Chinese plane.

The white Chinese Ilyushin-28 carrying the distinguished guests landed at Chaklala airport, strictly on schedule, at exactly 10 a.m. President Ayub, in dark grey suit and black Jinnah cap, was the first to receive the Chinese Head of State, followed by Madame Liu Shao-chi, Marshal Chen Yi, Madame Chen Yi and other distinguished guests.

Enthusiastic crowds, comprising men, women and children, who refused to be brow-beaten by inclement weather, lined up several deep along the seven-mile procession route, lustily cheered Chairman Liu Shao-chi and raised sky-high slogans of “Liu Po Po Wang Shui” (Long Live Uncle Liu).

Red carpet was unrolled at the rain-soaked tarmac as the plane landed and within a few seconds Chairman Liu Shao-chi, wearing a broad smile, emerged. Those present at the airport burst into thunderous applause.

Following Chairman Liu were Madame Liu Shao-chi, Marshal Chen Yi and Madame Chen Yi.

As Chairman Liu stepped on the red carpet President Ayub warmly shook hands with him and the two leaders greeted each other with great affection. Simultaneously a 21-gun salute heralded the safe landing of Chairman Liu. Scores of cameras clicked swiftly.

Among those who greeted Chairman Liu after alighting from the plane were the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Abdul Jabbar Khan; Foreign Minister, Mr Z.A. Bhutto and Begum Nusrat Bhutto.

Airport ceremonies over Chairman Liu Shao-chi with President Ayub got into a yellow Daimler car with transparent hood for the seven-mile, colourful State drive.

Maunds of flower petals were showered on the distinguished visitors. School children in their blue and red uniforms waved China and Pakistan flags and raised full-throated Zindabad slogans.

Folk dancers from Tribal areas, Sind, Baluchistan, Punjab and East Pakistan in their striking dresses danced wildly en route.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2016