Remarks by Ambassador Khalil Hashmi At the Investiture ceremony in remembrance of the deceased teachers of Sichuan Normal University Chengdu: 14 June 2024

June 14,2024

Families of Huang Guiping, Ding Mufang and Chen Sai,
 
Honorable,
Ms. Cai Guangjie, Deputy Director of the Education Department of Sichuan Province,
Ms. Zhang Junli, Deputy Secretary General of the Chinese International Education Foundation,
Mr. Wang Yong, Director of Development, Planning Department of CLEC,
Dr. Guo Yong, Secretary of the Party Committee of Sichuan Normal University,
 
Dear Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dajia Hao,

I thank everyone for joining us today.

It is with a heavy heart that we gather here. 

Today we pay heartfelt tribute to the three heroes who consumed all they had in strengthening Pakistan-China friendship: their skill set, their time and effort, and their life: The three Chinese teachers of this esteemed university, who lost their lives in the dastardly terrorist attack on 26th of April 2022 in Karachi.

As we pay respect to their memories, we also reiterate our thoughts and prayers with the bereaved families present here today.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

while our hearts are heavy – our spirits are that of firm resolve, a resolve to nurture the Pakistan-China friendship, a relationship that has stood tall against the vicissitudes and vagaries of time.

The friendship between Pakistan and China is a remarkable tale of shared history, mutual respect, and enduring trust.

This relationship is deeply rooted in ancient connections forged along the Silk Road, where our ancestors exchanged not just goods but ideas and culture. The Karakoram Highway for which a large number of Chinese engineers worked is the modern day manifestation of the Ancient Silk Road, and stands as a symbol of the connectivity of our hearts and souls.

This historical legacy has evolved into a robust iron-clad friendship, that has transcended the normal precepts of interstate relations, and is unparalleled. 

From the earliest days of our modern relationship, Pakistan has stood by China through thick and thin, offering support and solidarity during pivotal moments. Whether it was in the early 1950s when Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China or during the critical times of diplomatic isolation when Pakistan acted as a bridge for China to the Western world, our support has been unwavering. We have always supported China in the matters of its core interests, including Xinjiang, Tibet, Hong Kong, Xizang and South China Sea.
China, at the same time, has been an enduring, generous, reliable and dear friend and partner. The contributions of China in Pakistan’s development are immense. 

Generations of leaders and people of both countries have nurtured this relationship.

And the three brave souls, whom we are honoring today, stand at the forefront of this. Through their knowledge and wisdom, they were bringing the people of both countries closer.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, I am here to assure you today, that no effort to undermine our bilateral relations would succeed.

Pakistan is committed to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to justice and has taken a number of measure to enhance the security of Chinese projects, personnel and institutions in Pakistan.

Prime Minister of Pakistan was in China last week, and he assured the Chinese leadership of the resolve to bring the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks to justice.

Dear Friends,

Our world is at a crossroads, and the choices we make today will shape our future. Pakistan and China have always chosen the path of cooperation and mutual support. We have stood by each other through thick and thin. In the face of terrorism, geopolitical tensions, and economic challenges, our resolve has only strengthened. Our  commitment to peace and stability is unwavering.

Nothing would change this.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we draw close to today’s ceremony, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the University for organizing this ceremony and apologize on the delay of this ceremony for circumstances beyond our control.

The government of Pakistan, the Embassy and consulate-general of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan are always available and would stand with the people of China through weal and woe.

In Pakistan, China can always find a reliable friend and partner.

Thank you