ISLAMABAD: China wants to work with Pakistan for the development of both countries and for regional peace and security, Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing said at a cultural event on Wednesday.

The event was held at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA), organised by the Chinese embassy and the Gansu Provincial Opera House to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and 70 years of friendly relations between China and Pakistan.

Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood was invited as chief guest. Officials from the Foreign Office, the Chinese embassy, students and Chinese expatriates working in Pakistan were among those in attendance.

Event was organised by the Chinese embassy and Gansu Provincial Opera House

He added: “We will continue to work with Pakistan as a partner for not only the wellbeing and development of the two nations but for all and for justice especially for those facing injustices, challenges of and sufferings.”

Ambassador Yao also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Sept 24 earthquake in Mirpur, Azad Kashmir.

“This earthquake also reminds me of Pakistan’s assistance when a major quake hit some parts of the Gansu province of China in 2008,” he recalled, adding that Pakistan sent a rescue team that helped hundreds of people for two weeks.

Before leaving, he said, the team donated a hospital to the affected people of Gansu, named the Pak-China Friendship Hospital, which is still operational.

He added: “Looking forward, China and Pakistan will continue to be partners and friends in our endeavours for both our national development and regional stability, in upholding justice, international norms in the current world.”

Mr Mahmood praised the ambassador for his contribution to strengthening the “eternal” friendship between both countries and his sympathies for those affected by the earthquake.

It is these difficult moments and travails where we stand with each other,” he said.

Mr Mahmood said the people of Pakistan had great affection for the people of China, which has always supported Pakistan.

“Now the ties in cultural sphere are also picking up,” he said.

‘Rhythm of Dunhuang – Passion of Silk Road’

A dance and musical evening was organised for the occasion. Titled Rhythm of Dunhuang – Passion of Silk Road, the event featured folk music and opera performances.

The audience experienced the charm, grace and majesty of ancient Chinese civilisation and the Silk Road’s history through spectacular solo and group performances by a 25-member troupe from the Gansu Provincial Opera House.

The unique cultural references of ethnic groups, particularly the grottoes of Dunhuang city located on the edge of the Gobi Desert in northwest Gansu province – an important stop on the Silk Road and a melting pot for western and eastern cultures – were reflected in the songs and dances, taking the audience back to the era of the Tang Dynasty.

Singer Chang Yaqiong performed Jasmine Flower, a melodious folk song, followed by The Beauty, a dance from the Han Dynasty era.

There were many rounds of applause at a number of performances, including Paper Fan Scholar, Flower – a multiethnic folk song of the Hui people, Horns to Express Emotion – a dance from Yugur, and Flame by Huang Ying on the violin. Li Desheng also performed a popular folk song from northwest China that is included on the Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Published in Dawn, September 27th, 2019