Pakistan: International Culture Day held in Beijing

Chinese traditional performance is staged on the International Cultural Day. Photo: Courtesy of the Pakistani Embassy in China

The International Culture Day was successfully held at the Pakistan Embassy College Beijing (PECB) on November 26. 

The PECB organized its annual International Culture Day, with the 2023 festivities around the "Bringing the World Together" initiative highlighting the institution's core values of mutual learning, respect, and cooperation.

Chief guest and Ambassador of Pakistan to China Khalil Hashmi inaugurated the event, while diplomatic envoys  from other countries stationed in China, along with college students and their parents, teachers, and members of the Pakistani and international community attended the event.

Ambassador Hashmi, in his address, commended the Embassy College and its students for the excellent organization of the event and its rich kaleidoscope of performances which advanced mutual understanding, respect, and collaboration among different cultures and traditions. He described culture as powerful tool to build bridges and foster friendships between nations. 

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as well as the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Over the last 10 years, the construction of the CPEC has seen fruitful achievements and also advanced mutual friendship.

The ambassador underscored the significance of International Culture Day for China-Pakistan relations, noting that the event served as a platform to promote the creation of China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future.

The event featured a range of cultural activities such as traditional music, dance, as well as an art display, costumes, and cuisines from more than 25 countries. 

Chinese calligraphers were also present at the event, demonstrating traditional Chinese culture, offering blessing and good fortune Chinese character works such as "Fu" and "Dragon," with some of the works being sold for charity. 

The event also saw the performance of the meaningful chorus We're Amazing performance by the younger students from the PECB. Ambassador Hashmi commended students calling them "amazing!" 

"This festival is very meaningful for me and my children, not only because we can embrace different cultures from various countries, but also because it broadens international horizons for children," an embassy staffer told the Global Times. "Both of my daughters staged the special African dance!" she said excitedly. 

"I saw Pakistani cultural clothing today. It is so beautiful and distinctly different from ours because their clothes are richer in color. Long live China-Pakistan friendship," named Chen, a Chinese student, told the Global Times.