Islamabad, January 21: Chinese Cultural Counsellor Chen Ping on Tuesday emphasized the shared destiny of Pakistan and China, underscoring the growing importance of cultural and literary collaborations between the two nations. Speaking as the chief guest at a two-day series titled ‘Pak-China Classical Literature’ organized by the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL), Chen commended PAL’s efforts in translating literary works and fostering meaningful cultural exchanges.
Highlighting the concept of an emerging Pak-China community with a shared future, Chen Ping described literary and cultural exchanges as essential for strengthening bilateral ties. He lauded the academy’s dedication to promoting mutual understanding through literature and acknowledged the role of such initiatives in building closer relationships between the peoples of both countries.
PAL Chairperson Dr. Najeeba Arif detailed the academy’s efforts in advancing literary relations with China. She shared that PAL has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Chinese organizations, resulting in the translation of three Chinese books into Urdu, with two more translations in progress. Similarly, five Pakistani books have been translated and published in Chinese, further enhancing cultural diplomacy between the nations.
Iftikhar Arif, the session’s president, emphasized the significance of reviving exchange visits for writers from both countries. He noted how such visits have historically inspired travelogues, which serve as a testament to the deep cultural connections between the two nations. Other speakers, including renowned poet Dr. Waheed Ahmed, Ambassador (retd.) Syed Abrar Hussain, and former ICCI president Zafar Bakhtawari, also highlighted the enduring importance of Pak-China relations.
The event concluded with the unveiling of newly published translations of Pak-China classical literature, including Afshaye Raaz, Darya-e Hulan ki Kahanian, and Men Hawa Mulan Hu. Delegates of PAL’s 10-day Young Writers’ Inter-Provincial Residency Program were also in attendance, adding a dynamic element to the ceremony that showcased the vibrant literary collaboration between Pakistan and China.
