Arts Council Event Highlights Enduring Friendship, Cultural Exchange and Future Cooperation Between Islamabad and Beijing

KARACHI — A special Chinese Film Screening was held at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, bringing together diplomats, cultural figures and members of the public to celebrate one of the region’s most enduring partnerships.

The event was organised by the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liaison Office Karachi. Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong attended as the chief guest, alongside senior diplomats, consuls general, honorary consuls and cultural representatives from several countries.

The ceremony began with the national anthems of Pakistan and China, followed by a tribute song celebrating the friendship between the two nations. A commemorative cake was also cut to mark the milestone anniversary.

As part of the celebrations, the Chinese action film The Shadow Chaser, starring Jackie Chan, was screened for attendees.

Pakistan-China Friendship Beyond Economics

Addressing the gathering, Arts Council President Muhammad Ahmed Shah said the 75-year relationship between Pakistan and China had continued to grow stronger despite global challenges and changing circumstances.

“The way Pakistan and China have stood by each other with steadfastness is rarely seen in the world,” he said.

Ahmed Shah noted that bilateral ties extend beyond trade, infrastructure and economic cooperation, describing the relationship as a deep bond between the people of both countries.

He highlighted the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening international relations and pointed to the Arts Council’s recent World Culture Festival, which brought together artists from more than 140 countries.

“Art erases borders. The friendship between Pakistan and China is a deep human relationship,” he said.

China Calls for Greater Youth and Technology Cooperation

Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong described the anniversary as a symbol of trust, sincerity, mutual respect and a shared future between the two countries.

“China and Pakistan have stood together in every difficult time. This is why relations between our two countries have become stronger and deeper over time,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in education, technology, digital economy, innovation and vocational training to create new opportunities for young people.

“China believes that youth are the greatest asset of any nation. Pakistan’s young people possess immense potential and can play a key role in strengthening future cooperation,” he added.

CPEC and Cultural Diplomacy Driving Closer Relations

Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Liaison Office Karachi, Muhammad Irfan Soomro, said China’s development model offered valuable lessons in discipline, long-term planning and investment in human capital.

He highlighted the impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the broader strategic partnership between the two countries, saying these initiatives were helping Pakistan move toward economic modernization and shared prosperity.

Soomro also praised the Arts Council’s contribution to cultural diplomacy through literature, music, cinema and the arts.

“Karachi is rapidly emerging as a global cultural hub, and events like the Chinese Film Festival play an important role in promoting people-to-people connections and strengthening Pak-China friendship,” he said.

Diplomatic Community Joins Celebrations

The event was attended by diplomats and representatives from China, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Türkiye, Burkina Faso, the Philippines, Ethiopia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ireland, Austria, Sudan, Yemen, Morocco and Malawi, reflecting the international significance of the occasion.

The ceremony concluded with Muhammad Ahmed Shah presenting bouquets to Chinese Consul General Yang Yundong and Director General MOFA Muhammad Irfan Soomro on behalf of the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi.