By Yawar Abbas
ISLAMABAD, Jul 4 (APP): A high-level delegation comprising 16 Pakistani media professionals and think tank successfully concluded a comprehensive 12-day visit to China.
The State Council Information Office, People’s Republic of China organized this tour aimed to deepen mutual understanding, explore media cooperation, and enhance strategic communication between the two countries.
During the visit, the delegation engaged with key Chinese media institutions, government officials, policy experts, and academic forums. Discussions focused on bilateral media collaboration, combating misinformation, promoting people-to-people ties, and enhancing cultural and journalistic exchanges.
The delegates were deeply impressed by China’s rapid development, innovation, infrastructure, and the visible improvements in the quality of life across all regions they visited. They praised China’s focus on people-centric development, rural revitalization, and social harmony.
They observed that the Chinese people were happy with the government’s direction, expressing high levels of satisfaction and national pride. The Pakistani delegation noted that policies aimed at economic uplift, cultural preservation, social inclusion, and digital transformation were effectively improving lives at the grassroots level.
They particularly commended the leadership of President Xi Jinping, calling his governance philosophy and development model a visionary example for other nations to follow. They lauded President Jinping strategic initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and described China’s development as both inclusive and sustainable.
The delegation members expressed optimism that the visit would serve as a strong foundation for future cooperation in media, academia, policy dialogue, and cultural exchange between Pakistan and China.
“This visit has been an eye-opener. The level of technological advancement, the warmth of the people, and the government’s commitment to public welfare is truly admirable,” said one delegation member.
The visit not only deepened bilateral ties but also showcased the enduring strength of the Pakistan-China friendship, which continues to evolve through mutual respect, shared vision, and collaborative engagement.
In Beijing, the group visited the China Huaneng Clean Energy Technology Research Institute (CERI), participated in the Media and Think Tank Symposium hosted by the China International Communications Group (CICG), and explored major industrial and cultural landmarks including the Great Wall at Badaling, China Communications Construction Company (CCC), Central Axis Exhibition Hall at Beijing Science Center, and the BAIC Xiangjie Super Factory.
In Chongqing, the delegation visited Zaisheng Technology Co., Ltd., Jian’ai Eco Smart Gallery, Yubei District Eco-Intelligence Art Space, Bayu Folk Custom Museum, and the Ciqikou Ancient City.
They also met with officials at the Western China International Communication Organization (WCICO) and the BRI Journalists’ Station, and toured the Chongqing Inland International Logistics Hub. Further visits included Fuling District, Baiheliang Underwater Museum, Fuling Zhacai Memorial, Fuling Zhacai Group, Southeast Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences, and the Chongqing City Reception Hall.
The delegation was warmly received in Minzhu Village, where they visited a community canteen and engaged with local residents.
In Kashghar (Kashi), the delegates explored the East Gate of Kashi Ancient City, traditional markets such as the flowerpot, ironware, woodware, Uygur medicine, and flower cap bazaars.
They visited the Memorial Hall for the Protection and Renovation of the Old City, Kashi Pilot Free Trade Zone, Cross-border E-commerce Exhibition Center, and the Kashi Prefecture Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicines.
The group also visited Huayuan Road Community and its daycare center in Yuepuhu County, attended the 2nd Kashi Cup International Youth Football Invitational Tournament, and enjoyed traditional hospitality during a dinner in the county.
In Urumqi, the delegation visited the Xinjiang Exhibition on Counterterrorism and De-radicalization, the International Grand Bazaar, the 2025 China-Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo, the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, and a cutting-edge high-tech plant factory.
The delegation included Naveed Hussain (Chief Editor, Express Tribune), Zamir Awan (Founder, Global Silk Road Research Alliance), Qadri Nadeem (Chief Editor, The Nation), Sultan Hali (Columnist), Yawar Abbas (Director, Chinese News Service, APP), Javed Hussain (Special Correspondent, 92 News TV), Abdullah Mohmand (Senior Correspondent, Dawn News), Mateen Haider (Senior Correspondent, The Nation and Program host), Sayed Ghulam Raza (Executive Director, Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations), Muhammad Bilal Tahir (Senior Reporter, Business Recorder), Shiraz Hasnat (Bureau Chief Punjab, Hum News), Muhammad Hussain Sajid (News Reporter, City News Network, Lahore), Sikander Ahmad Shah (Associate Professor, LUMS and Director, Centre for Chinese Legal Studies), Aiza Azam (Lecturer, Institute of Aerospace and Strategic Studies, Air University), Khurram Abbas (Director, Centre for India Studies, ISSI), and
Rida Saifee (Anchor, K21 TV, and internet influencer).
The organizers of the visit were Yang Ruirui of the State Council Information Office of China, Yang Taofei, Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, and Qiu Yining from the China Centre for International Communication Development of the China International Communication Group (CICG) while translators Zou Bin and Wang Bingxia, facilitated in clear and effective communication throughout the trip.