By Yawar Abbas
ISLAMABAD, Jul 4 : A 16-member delegation of Pakistani journalists, media professionals and think-tank representatives has successfully concluded a wide-ranging 12-day study visit to China, marking a significant step toward strengthening media cooperation and strategic communication between the two countries.
Organized by the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China, the visit was designed to deepen mutual understanding, foster people-to-people linkages and explore new avenues of collaboration between Pakistani and Chinese media and policy institutions.
Throughout the tour, the delegation interacted with senior Chinese government officials, leading media organizations, policy experts and academics. Exchanges focused on enhancing bilateral media cooperation, countering misinformation, improving international communication, and promoting cultural and journalistic exchanges between Pakistan and China.
Delegation members expressed strong admiration for China’s rapid socio-economic transformation, technological innovation and world-class infrastructure. They noted visible improvements in quality of life across urban and rural areas, highlighting China’s emphasis on people-centered development, rural revitalization, social harmony and inclusive growth.
The Pakistani participants observed a high level of public satisfaction and national confidence among Chinese citizens, attributing it to policies that promote economic uplift, social inclusion, cultural preservation and digital transformation at the grassroots level. Several delegates described China’s governance approach as results-oriented and sustainable.
The delegation also commended the leadership of President Xi Jinping, describing his development philosophy as visionary and forward-looking. They praised major strategic initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), noting that China’s development trajectory combines inclusivity with long-term sustainability.
One delegate remarked that the visit was “an eye-opener,” citing China’s technological advancement, the warmth of its people and the government’s strong commitment to public welfare as particularly impressive.
In Beijing, the delegation visited the China Huaneng Clean Energy Technology Research Institute (CERI), attended the Media and Think Tank Symposium hosted by the China International Communications Group, and toured prominent landmarks including the Great Wall at Badaling, China Communications Construction Company (CCC), the Central Axis Exhibition Hall at Beijing Science Center, and the BAIC Xiangjie Super Factory.
During their stay in Chongqing, the group visited Zaisheng Technology Co., Ltd., Jian’ai Eco Smart Gallery, Yubei District Eco-Intelligence Art Space, Bayu Folk Custom Museum and Ciqikou Ancient City. They also met officials from the Western China International Communication Organization (WCICO) and the BRI Journalists’ Station, and toured the Chongqing Inland International Logistics Hub. Additional visits included Fuling District, the Baiheliang Underwater Museum, Fuling Zhacai Memorial, Fuling Zhacai Group, Southeast Chongqing Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Chongqing City Reception Hall. The delegation was warmly welcomed in Minzhu Village, where members visited a community canteen and interacted with local residents.
In Kashghar (Kashi), the delegates explored the East Gate of Kashi Ancient City, traditional bazaars featuring flowerpots, ironware, woodcraft, Uyghur medicine and flower caps. They also visited the Memorial Hall for the Protection and Renovation of the Old City, the Kashi Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Cross-border E-commerce Exhibition Center and the Kashi Prefecture Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicines. The group toured Huayuan Road Community and its daycare center in Yuepuhu County, attended the 2nd Kashi Cup International Youth Football Invitational Tournament, and participated in a cultural dinner hosted by local authorities.
In Urumqi, the delegation visited the Xinjiang Exhibition on Counterterrorism and De-radicalization, the International Grand Bazaar, the 2025 China-Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo, the Xinjiang Islamic Institute, and a state-of-the-art high-tech plant factory.
The delegation comprised Naveed Hussain (Chief Editor, Express Tribune), Zamir Awan (Founder, Global Silk Road Research Alliance), Qadri Nadeem (Chief Editor, The Nation), Sultan Hali (Columnist), Yawar Abbas (Director, Chinese News Service, APP), Javed Hussain (Special Correspondent, 92 News TV), Abdullah Mohmand (Senior Correspondent, Dawn News), Mateen Haider (Senior Correspondent, The Nation and program host), Sayed Ghulam Raza (Executive Director, Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations), Muhammad Bilal Tahir (Senior Reporter, Business Recorder), Shiraz Hasnat (Bureau Chief Punjab, Hum News), Muhammad Hussain Sajid (Reporter, City News Network, Lahore), Sikander Ahmad Shah (Associate Professor, LUMS and Director, Centre for Chinese Legal Studies), Aiza Azam (Lecturer, Institute of Aerospace and Strategic Studies, Air University), Khurram Abbas (Director, Centre for India Studies, ISSI), and Rida Saifee (Anchor, K21 TV, and digital influencer).
The visit was coordinated by Yang Ruirui of the State Council Information Office of China, Yang Taofei, Attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, and Qiu Yining from the China Centre for International Communication Development under CICG. Professional interpretation support was provided by translators Zou Bin and Wang Bingxia, ensuring smooth and effective communication throughout the journey.
Participants expressed optimism that the tour would lay a solid foundation for sustained cooperation in media, academia, policy dialogue and cultural exchange, further reinforcing the enduring Pakistan-China friendship built on mutual respect, shared vision and collaborative engagement.