GILGIT: Tributes were paid to Chinese engineers and workers who sacrificed their lives during the construction of Karakoram Highway (KKH) which connects Pakistan and China through Khunjerab Pass at a ceremony held at Chinese memorial graveyard in Danyor of Gilgit on Friday.

Every year on April 4, a ceremony is organised at Chinese memorial graveyard in the Danyor area of Gilgit in memory of Chinese engineers and workers.

The ceremony was organised by Overseas Chinese Association, Gilgit-Baltistan police in collaboration with Chinese embassy.

A delegation of Chinese citizens, relatives of the Chinese martyrs, officials of Chinese embassy , overseas Chinese association, police officials and local people participated in the ceremony.

According to the Chinese tradition, relatives of the Chinese victims visited the graveyard to perform rituals at their graveyard. The participants paid homage to Chinese engineers and labourers who died during the KKH’s construction from 1966 to 1978. They laid floral wreaths, placed candles, Chinese gifts and food at the graves and observed silence.

On the occasion, a contingent of police presented salute to the Chinese martyrs, national anthems of both the countries played. A total of 200 Chinese engineers and workers lost their lives during the construction of KKH from 1966 to 1989, of which 88 were buried in the Danyor graveyard.

The bodies of other deceased workers were missing. KKH is now part of 1,300-km China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, which passes through GB and areas of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, stretches from Hasanabdal in Punjab to Xinjiang of China.

Speaking on the occasion DIG Gilgit Headquarters Khawaja Naveed Ahmed, said every year this day is commemorated to pay tributes to Chinese martyrs for their bravery and dedication.

“KKH is great testament to Pakistan and China friendship. We can’t forget the sacrifices of Chinese engineers and workers, this highway facilitated trade, tourism, people to people contact between both the countries, he said.

He said after the construction of the KKH, the relations between the two countries cemented. He said the construction of this important highway has ushered in a new era of development and progress in the country, including Gilgit-Baltistan. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of 900 Pakistani workers during construction of KKH.

A Chinese citizen said April 4 is ritual day in China. He said every year Chinese relatives of KKH martyrs visit GB to commemorate the day. He said according to Chinese traditions, on April 4, relatives of victims lay flowers and other items on their loved ones’ graves and pay their respects.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2025