Citizen groups step in as the pro-US government fails to properly
celebrate the Year of Friendship. Leaders tout China as an economic
and political model and say they want younger Pakistanis to know the
nation's real friends. Speakers include Hateem Soomro, Akram Zaki,
Mian Habibullah among others.
PakNationalists.com
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan—More than 2,000 young Pakistani boys and girls
marched on the streets of Islamabad on Friday to mark China's National
Day and celebrate ties between the peoples of the two countries.
Up to five student bands led the march, joined by several citizens
groups focused on improving Sino-Pak ties.
The march was led by former Pakistan Foreign Secretary Mr. Akram Zaki
and Mian Habibullah. Both are members of All Pakistan China Friendship
Association, or APCFA.
The march, held under the banner, 'Friends of China Peace and Harmony
Walk' was intended as a salute from the people of Pakistan to the
people of China on their National Day. Beijing and Islamabad are
marking 2011 as a Friendship Year.
Citizen groups joining the march included the 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 in front of
the Presidency and Parliament waving Pakistani and Chinese flags. 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).
Mr. Zaki called on Pakistani nation to adopt the Chinese model of
political, social and economic development. "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 time Pakistan reduced reliance on countries that have
exploited Pakistan for their own vested interests. "We have been
deceived 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
[Pak-China] spanning decades," Zaki added.
Mian Habibullah said Pakistan and China had declared 2011 as
Pakistan-China Friendship Year to mark 60 years of great friendly
diplomatic relations.
"Unfortunately, our government could not manage the celebrations. Now,
the civil society organizations 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 the
feelings of Pakistanis' toward 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.
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