Accompanying with the live performances of five student bands, over 2,000 youth from various federal education institutes and people from different walks of life Friday marched from Parade Ground (D-Chowk) to China Chowk to celebrate the national day to mark the countries time-tested friendship with the Peoples Republic of China.
Akram Zaki, former foreign secretary and Mian Habibullah of All Pakistan China Friendship Association (APCFA) led the peace walk.
The event titled “Friends of China Peace and Harmony Walk” was arranged by the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) including Islamabad Crescent Lions Club (ICLC), DEVCOM-Pakistan, All Pakistan China Friendship Association (APCFA), Sir Syed Memorial Society (SSMS), Saba Trust, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and Federal Directorate of Education (FDE).
The participants of the walk gathered at the Parade Ground swaying national flags of China and Pakistan. They were holding placards with slogans stating “Long live Pakistan China Friendship”, “Hamara Yaqeen – Piyara Cheen” (our faith, the loving China), “We are proud of Pak-China Friendship”, “Pak Cheen Dosti Zindabad” (Long live Pak-China Friendship) etc.
Addressing to the participants, Akram Zaki said, “We can trust China like always in the changing geo-political situation in the region and world. China has emerged as a strong nation since its independence in 1951, and can be a role model for us to excel in all socio-economic development.”
Zaki said it was the time when we needed to reduce our reliance on the friends that had exploited the country’s potential for their own vested interests. “We have been tricked for long, and now we need to stand on our feet. The youth is our hope, and they should be told about the long journey of our friendship that is spread over 6 decades,” Zaki added.
Mian Habibullah said Pakistan and China had declared 2011 as Pakistan-China Friendship Year to mark the 60 years of great friendly diplomatic relations.
“But, our government could not manage the celebrations. Now, the civil society organisations have developed a platform Friends of China to initiate the celebrations. This walk is the first tribute to a great friend and nation on their national day,” Habibullah said.
Friends of China Coordinator Munir Ahmed said: “We have been pushed to misery during the last three decades especially since Pakistan joined hands on the so-called war against terrorism. This has led us to severe socio-economic instability. Despite our sacrifices, our so-called friends are pushing us to the wall. This is the time to say goodbye to “do more” policy, and look forward to our genuine and sincere friend China that never betrayed or embarrassed Pakistani nation. Rather China has always been a great help in all challenging times including the recent one.”
ICLC Vice President Sibtain Raza Lodhi said the peace walk showed of Pakistanis’ feelings towards China.
He said Pakistanis believed in the cultural exchange between the two countries and it could bring peace and harmony among different nations.
ICLC President Nasira Jamil thanked all the partners and the participants and the media for their support for the event. Hateem Soomro, Yasir Tahir, Asma Yasir and Asim Altaf also spoke on the occasion.
