The Sino-Pak relationship began at the national level in the 60s, but exists at the civilian level from years before.
ISLAMABAD: This is in reference to the article published on December 20, “Fight against terror: Don’t doubt Pakistan, Wen tells the West” by Zia Khan and Kamran Yousaf. The Pakistan-China relationship began in the 1960s at the national level, but one should not forget the deep-rooted relationship at the civilian level that exists from years before. People on both sides of the border are part of one family, living in two countries but sharing similar cultures, beliefs and language.
The people of Gojal (a district bordering China) used to wear badges of Mao Zedong and had great reverence for him. Even today, senior citizens of the area have kept those badges with them as sacred gifts. If Pakistan is a friend of China, then the people of Gojal are the roots of this friendship. I would like to point out that, unfortunately, the government didn’t assist these people during the Attabad Lake disaster and no consideration was given to the people of this region during the premier’s important visit.
Sher Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, December 21st, 2010.
