National Day congratulations!

Congratulations! The whole Pakistani nation warmly congratulates the people and leadership of China on the celebration of National Day. We highly admire and appreciate the development of China, especially during the last four decades. We believe it is all due to the visionary leadership of China and the right reforms and policies introduced by the Chinese government. Of course, we also acknowledge the hard work and sincere efforts of the common man in China for the rapid development of the country.

China has set a record pace of development, which has never happened in the known history of humankind. Especially, the model set up by China was unique - "Win-Win". In history many countries developed and became super powers for long periods of time, but their development model was "war" and the occupation of other nation’s resources. China has set a new model, based on a win-win situation for all partners. The major reason for rapid development was China’s soft power and non-aggression toward others.

China has emerged as the second-largest economy in the world and has surpassed many in several areas of modern high-tech fields, like telecommunication, high-speed trains, modern construction, infrastructure, health-care, IT, digital economy and financial system. E-commerce and especially E-pay are among China's very impressive accomplishments where it leads the rest of world. WeChat Scan is the most popular mode of payment in day to day life. China also has the edge on e-bike accessibility over the rest of world.

The people of Pakistan are proud of their friendship with China and are impressed by its achievements. Newly-elected Prime Minister Imran Khan was so impressed by China that in his maiden speech on  July 26, just after winning the general election, he said he wants to learn from  China’s experience in tackling two major problems: Eradicating poverty and fighting against corruption. As a matter of fact, poverty is an international phenomenon faced by almost every nation. The biggest challenge of this century is to fight against poverty. Millennium Development Goals are set for poverty eradication. China is a role model for the rest of world, and has lifted about 700 million people from poverty. Corruption is an international curse, which is a more serious challenge for developing countries and a major obstacle in the development of many nations. China has a record of achievement in its drive against corruption. The world must learn from the Chinese experience, especially the developing world, which may work in close coordination with China.

China also suffered Western colonialization and has memories of suppression by West. China may help the developing countries to come out of Western suppression and develop their countries using the Chinese model. The Belt and Road Initiative is a model of "Peace, Harmony and Prosperity". To date, about 100 countries have recognized it and many have joined the initiative and are the beneficiaries of the Belt and Road.

Pakistan is major beneficiary of the Belt and Road and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a flagship project of the Belt and Road. The people of Pakistan acknowledge the fruits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and are thankful to the government and people of China. As per a Pew Survey, after Chinese, it is Pakistanis who like China the most. A common Chinese citizen enjoys the status of a superstar in Pakistan. Those who have traveled to Pakistan know the warmth of the Pakistani people for Chinese.

With the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, people-to-people contact has been greatly enhanced and the friendship between the two nations has become more deeply rooted and strengthened. Our relations are recognized by the international community and are quoted as a role model. China has established very good relations with many countries of the world, but with Pakistan and China there is a very unique term: "Iron Brothers" or in Chinese, Tie Ge Men Er.

On the occasion of China’s National Day, the people of Pakistan congratulate the people and government of China from the core of our hearts with a very warm congratulations. Our wish is that our brothers and sisters have good health and prosperous lives in the years to come.

The author is a Sinologist (ex-Diplomate) and non-resident fellow of the Center for China and Globalization at the National University of Sciences and Technology in Islamabad, Pakistan.