PROVINCE REPORT
PEAHAWAR: China Window, the Chinese cultural center established in Peshawar, and the Pakistan Culture Tourism and Arts Organization have agreed to work together for the promotion of Pakistani, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s, and Chinese culture through joint cultural initiatives and people-to-people exchanges. In this regard, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two organizations at a ceremony held at China Window, Peshawar. The MoU was signed by Javed Aziz Khalji on behalf of the Pakistan Culture Tourism and Arts Organization and Amjad Aziz Malik on behalf of China Window. Prominent culture promoter Rashid Suhail Paracha, Dr. Shahida Sardar, Ms. Naz Parveen and Mrs. Joyce Ashkar were also present on the occasion.
Speaking at the ceremony, Administrator China Window, Mr. Amjad Aziz Malik, said that both institutions would work jointly not only for the promotion of cultural activities but also for strengthening Pakistan-China friendship and enhancing people-to-people contacts between the two friendly countries. He said that under the framework of cultural exchange, various cultural programs and activities would also be organized in the future. Mr. Malik said that there was a strong need to promote educational, literary and cultural activities in Peshawar and across the province, adding that people associated with arts and culture deserved greater support, encouragement and facilities. He emphasized that cultural cooperation could play an important role in bringing the people of Pakistan and China even closer. Addressing the ceremony, Founder Chairman of Pakistan Culture Tourism and Arts Organization, Mr. Javed Aziz Khalji, said that his organization had recently been formally registered with the Social Welfare Department and had now practically started its services for the promotion of art and culture. He said that after signing the MoU with China Window, every possible effort would be made to organize different cultural events in Peshawar and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Mr. Khalji said that such activities were necessary to end the cultural stagnation in the province and to provide meaningful opportunities to artists, cultural workers and the general public. He further stated that his organization would also play a positive and constructive role in facilitating Chinese tourists interested in religious tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He reaffirmed his commitment to making joint efforts for the promotion of Pakistan-China friendship. He said that for a long time, no Chinese cultural troupe had visited Peshawar, and expressed the desire that whenever the Chinese government sends a cultural delegation to Pakistan, Peshawar should also be included in its schedule so that local people may have the opportunity to witness Chinese cultural performances. Javed Aziz Khalji described China Window as an important and remarkable Chinese cultural center in Peshawar and expressed confidence that the institution would continue its valuable efforts to further strengthen Pakistan-China friendship in the years ahead.The participants appreciated the signing of the MoU and termed it an important step toward promoting cultural understanding, tourism cooperation, artistic activities and stronger people-to-people relations between Pakistan and China.
