PESHAWAR: China’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, reaffirmed the “deep-rooted and ironclad” friendship between China and Pakistan at a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration hosted by China Window in Peshawar, extending festive greetings and best wishes for happiness, health and prosperity to attendees and their families.
He described Mid-Autumn as one of China’s most poetic and romantic traditions, symbolising family reunion, peace and harmony. This year’s festivities carry added joy, he noted, as they coincide with China’s National Day—making it a double celebration.
Jiang said that in today’s interconnected world, civilisational inclusiveness and mutual learning among nations are vital for advancing modernisation and enriching global culture.
Shared vision, shared development
Reiterating President Xi Jinping’s vision of the Pakistan–China bond as resilient, brotherly and built on trust and common values, the ambassador said both countries have always stood shoulder to shoulder for shared development and prosperity.
Highlighting progress under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said the initiative has become a powerful driver of Pakistan’s economic and social growth.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he cited completion of the first phase of the Rashakai Special Economic Zone, the Suki Kinari Hydropower Station’s first anniversary of commercial operation generating 2.8 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, and advances in fibre-optic and transport infrastructure improving regional connectivity.
Culture, connectivity and people-to-people ties
Jiang also praised cultural collaborations such as the China–Pakistan Art Exchange Exhibition, co-hosted by the KP Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, and lauded China Window for consistently presenting a truthful, multidimensional picture of China to foster understanding.
“Wherever the moonlight reaches, there is a sense of home,” Ambassador Jiang remarked, pledging that no matter how the international situation evolves, the peoples of China and Pakistan will continue to stand “hand in hand and heart to heart.”
Earlier, Provincial Secretary for Culture and Tourism Dr Abdul Samad said it is highly commendable that Pakistanis are celebrating Chinese festivals with great enthusiasm, reflecting a spirit of strengthening Pakistan–China friendship.
Greetings and community celebrations
He added that the goodwill message extended by the Chinese ambassador to Pakistani families on this important occasion signifies that the people of China also share their happiness with Pakistan.
On behalf of the provincial government and the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dr Samad extended warm greetings to the people of China, Chinese diplomats in Pakistan and their families on the occasion of the Mid-Autumn Festival, expressing best wishes for their happiness and prosperity. Students from local schools presented a colourful cultural show, while China Window distributed specially prepared mooncakes to mark the occasion.
Separately, the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Peshawar, under the auspices of China Window, the Chinese Cultural Center.
A large number of dignitaries, including provincial ministers, senators, parliamentarians, senior officials, and representatives from diverse sectors attended the colourful ceremony, which began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of Pakistan and China. A cake-cutting ceremony added to the festivities, symbolising friendship and unity.
Leaders praise China’s rise and enduring friendship
Addressing the gathering, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary Shahab Ali Shah said the day carried immense significance for both nations. He described the founding of the People’s Republic of China as a “symbol of strength, unity, and resilience,” noting that China’s
Highlighting China’s development journey, Shahab praised President Xi Jinping’s leadership for lifting millions out of poverty, advancing science and technology, and promoting global peace and prosperity. He added that President Xi’s vision of a “Community with a Shared Future for Mankind” aligns closely with Pakistan’s philosophy of harmony and cooperation.
Cultural harmony and community participation
Earlier, China Window Administrator Amjad Aziz Malik congratulated the government and people of China, expressing hope that the friendship between the two nations would continue to flourish and remain a beacon of hope for generations.
Prominent personalities including former World Squash Champion Jansher Khan, former Governor Engineer Shaukatullah, Qamar Zaman, Vice Chancellor Razia Sultana, Minister Qasim Ali Shah, and MPAs Mehr Sultana, Shazia Tehmas, and Aiman Jalil also joined in the cake-cutting ceremony, marking yet another vibrant expression of the “ironclad” Pakistan–China bond.
