Beijing: Federal Information Minister, Attaullah Tarar, today emphasized the profound and ancient civilizational connection between Pakistan and China, stating that their interconnected mountains and rivers carry a shared history spanning centuries. He made these remarks while addressing the “Forum on Civilization Exchange and Mutual Learning, Cultural Heritage and Innovation” in Beijing.
Minister Tarar highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and civilizational ties that bind Pakistan and China, asserting that the term “Iron Brothers” is not merely a phrase but signifies the profound historical and cultural bonds between the two neighboring nations.
He underscored that Pakistan is the inheritor of the great Indus Valley Civilization, which he noted has roots extending to China. The Minister also drew a parallel between the historical significance of the ancient Silk Road and the modern-day China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He stressed that CPEC is not just a route for trade but a “path of friendship” and a road that connects civilizations, asserting that Pakistan, located at the crossroads of civilizations, is witnessing a revival of its great cultural heritage with new innovation in the digital age.
Tarar further highlighted Pakistan’s significance as the home of the ancient Gandhara Civilization, where centuries-old Buddhist relics are still preserved in sites like Mohenjo-Daro and Taxila, underscoring the shared historical and cultural narratives with China.
The Information Minister paid rich tribute to Chinese President Xi Jinping for presenting the vision of the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI). He stated that the forum itself serves as a “living example of that vision.” The GCI, proposed by President Xi in 2023, aims to promote mutual learning, dialogue, and inclusiveness among civilizations, advocating for common values of humanity such as peace, development, equity, justice, democracy, and freedom.
Minister Tarar’s address underscored Pakistan’s commitment to fostering cultural diplomacy and strengthening people-to-people ties with China, aligning with the broader goals of the GCI. He is in Beijing to attend the high-level Ministerial Conference on Dialogue Among Civilizations.
