Commemoration: Pakistan-China friendship to be celebrated

Govt declares 2011 as year of friendship between Pakistan and China to mark 60 years of diplomatic relations.

LAHORE: The government of Pakistan has declared 2011 as “the year of friendship between Pakistan and China” to mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations. The foreign secretary, Salman Bashir, has asked chief ministers and governors to hold events throughout the year to celebrate the friendship.

A notice had been sent to educational institutes in the provinces. Each institution is encouraged to make its own calendar for holding special events relating to the Pakistan-China friendship.

The Chambers of Commerce and Industry have also been called upon to consider holding events such as business conferences and formal receptions.

The provincial governments may also organise special programmes in various cities and districts. The Punjab government has sent these recommendations to all the DCOs and higher education officials. May 21st, the date of establishment of ties, has been set aside for special events and functions.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 24^th, 2011.