Independence Day Ceremony at Governor House Highlights Youth, Culture and Pakistan-China Friendship

PESHAWAR: An impressive Independence Day ceremony organised by China Window at the Governor House, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, brought together political and government representatives, diplomats, educationists, journalists, artists, sports personalities and students to celebrate Pakistan’s independence while highlighting youth development and the country’s longstanding friendship with China.

Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi attended the ceremony as chief guest. Former world squash champion Qamar Zaman, senior journalist Arshad Aziz Malik, China Cultural Centre Advisor Bai Jie, Mr Chen Tian Tiang, senior civil and government officials, educationists, journalists and other distinguished guests were also present.

The programme featured a special performance by students of the Peshawar Model Educational Network, who presented a patriotic song and received warm applause from Governor Kundi and the audience.

Welcoming the guests, China Window Administrator Amjad Aziz Malik said Independence Day was an occasion to remember the sacrifices of the nation’s founders and the leadership of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

He said the future of Pakistan depended largely on its young generation and called for greater investment in education, modern technical skills, research and international exposure for youth.

Malik also highlighted the growing importance of Pakistan-China relations, saying the friendship between the two countries was not limited to governments but had become deeply rooted among their peoples.

He said China Window, established in October 2018, had developed into a platform for promoting Chinese language and culture in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while also creating awareness about China’s development experience and CPEC.

According to Malik, approximately 850 students have participated in free HSK-1 and HSK-2 Chinese language courses offered through China Window.

A key moment of the ceremony was the presentation of a higher-education scholarship to talented Peshawar student Hamza Ali. Governor Faisal Karim Kundi handed over the scholarship documents to the student.

The scholarship was the seventh facilitated through China Window with the support of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan.

Congratulating Hamza Ali, Governor Kundi advised him to make the most of the educational opportunity, gain modern knowledge and skills abroad and return to Pakistan to contribute to the country’s development.

In his address, the Governor said Pakistan’s independence was the result of a prolonged democratic struggle and enormous sacrifices. He stressed the importance of constitutional supremacy, rule of law, education, employment, women’s participation and national unity in building a stronger Pakistan.

Kundi also praised the longstanding Pakistan-China partnership and acknowledged China’s cooperation with Pakistan in infrastructure, energy, education, science and technology.

He said the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor could create new opportunities in industrial development, agriculture, information technology, minerals, tourism and human-resource development.

Sports and cultural achievements were also recognised during the ceremony. Trophies and certificates were distributed among participants and organisers of Pakistan’s first Dragon Boat Festival, held at Sardaryab on June 14, 2026.

The event also witnessed the launch of a new Pakistan-China friendship anthem produced by China Window in collaboration with PTV Peshawar. The initiative was presented as an effort to use music and cultural expression to strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

China Window Administrator Amjad Aziz Malik thanked PTV Peshawar General Manager Ibrahim Kamal for his cooperation in the production of the anthem.

The ceremony concluded with the cutting of an Independence Day cake by Governor Kundi alongside Chinese guests, China Window representatives and other dignitaries.

The gathering reflected a combination of national pride, youth empowerment, education, sports and cultural diplomacy, with organisers reaffirming their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China relations through people-to-people contacts and collaborative cultural and educational initiatives.