EDITORIAL: In a most devastating earthquake recorded anywhere in the world for twelve years, China has suffered, in the words of the Chinese themselves, “great losses of human life and severe property damage”. As observers in Peking assess it, this may well mean a toll of tens of thousands of people. … Peking’s six million people are camping out in the streets and have been told to stay there for at least another two days... . … The President and the Prime Minister — in their respective messages to [the Chinese leadership] … have voiced the genuine grief … which Pakistanis … feel today for their Chinese friends. We have no doubt … that the great Chinese people would be successful ... in bringing into “full play the revolutionary spirit of arduous struggle, and plunge into anti-quake relief, with firm and indomitable will... .”

The way in which the Chinese people have faced up to the disaster … is an epoch-making event by itself. As independent sources have confirmed, there has been no trace of panic … and people have acted with “great discipline” — carrying on with their jobs, even though shaken by … tremors.

Published in Dawn, July 31st, 2026