Pakistan-China Friendship Based on Trust and Shared Development, Says KP Minister

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Hajj, Religious and Minority Affairs and Auqaf, Muhammad Adnan Qadri, has described the friendship between Pakistan and China as enduring, resilient, and capable of withstanding every test of time. He said the relationship between the two countries extends far beyond diplomatic ties and continues to grow through strong people-to-people, cultural, educational, and economic connections.

The minister expressed these views during a visit to China Window, the Chinese Cultural Centre in Peshawar. During the visit, he toured various galleries, showed keen interest in the exhibits, signed the Friendship Wall, and recorded his remarks in the visitors’ book.

Speaking to the media, Adnan Qadri proposed that a delegation comprising prominent religious scholars, ulema, and representatives of religious seminaries from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should visit China’s Xinjiang region. He said such a visit would allow them to directly observe the lives of Muslims in the region, including their religious practices, mosques, educational opportunities, social development, and the facilities provided by the government.

He noted that Xinjiang has frequently been the subject of allegations and criticism in sections of the Western media and among certain international circles. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of Pakistani religious scholars visiting the region to witness the situation firsthand and share factual information with the public upon their return.

The provincial minister stated that the people of Pakistan, particularly those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, regard China as a trusted and dependable friend. He highlighted that China has consistently supported Pakistan during difficult times, while Pakistan has always valued and respected its relationship with China. According to him, the foundation of Pakistan-China relations is built on mutual respect, trust, cooperation, and shared development, making it one of the most admired bilateral relationships in the world.

Adnan Qadri stressed the need to promote accurate information about China, saying that some international powers are uncomfortable with the growing partnership between Pakistan and China, especially in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and expanding public engagement between the two nations. He said misinformation and misunderstandings are often spread to undermine these ties. The most effective response, he added, is for Pakistani intellectuals, journalists, religious scholars, students, and young people to visit China and form their opinions based on firsthand observations.

The minister also praised the contributions of China Window, describing it as an effective and valuable institution dedicated to strengthening Pakistan-China friendship in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said the centre plays a significant role in introducing the public to China’s culture, history, development, and the importance of CPEC, while also fostering stronger people-to-people connections between the two countries.

He noted that China Window’s galleries, free Chinese language courses, cultural events, seminars, exhibitions, and educational programmes are helping young people gain authentic and positive insights into China. Through these initiatives, the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are learning about China’s technological advancements, educational opportunities, cultural heritage, traditions, and economic achievements.

Adnan Qadri expressed confidence that a visit by religious scholars from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Xinjiang would help dispel misconceptions and further strengthen religious, cultural, and public-level trust between Pakistan and China. He added that such exchanges would enable citizens of both countries to better understand one another and deepen mutual respect and cooperation.

Highlighting China’s remarkable achievements, the minister said the country has become a global example in poverty alleviation, economic development, education, technology, and infrastructure. He emphasized that Pakistani youth, particularly those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, can learn valuable lessons from China’s development experience.

He further described CPEC as a project of immense importance for Pakistan’s economic future and stressed the need to create greater public awareness about its benefits and long-term significance.

Concluding his remarks, Muhammad Adnan Qadri reaffirmed the commitment of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to supporting all positive initiatives aimed at promoting Pakistan-China friendship, interfaith harmony, cultural exchanges, and public trust. He expressed confidence that relations between the two countries would continue to grow stronger and would contribute significantly to peace, development, and prosperity across the region.