by Raheela Nazir

ISLAMABAD, April 20 (Xinhua) -- In the golden haze of an April afternoon in Pakistan's capital city of Islamabad, where the spring breeze carried the sweet scent of jasmine and jacaranda flowers, a colorful gala unfolded in the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, known for being the premier hub for art and culture.

This was no ordinary gathering -- it was a bridge between two ancient civilizations, a celebration of Pakistan-China friendship, filled with laughter, colors, and curious young hearts, marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Nearly 500 people attended the event, including Pakistani government officials, representatives of Chinese diplomatic missions in Pakistan, leaders of the overseas Chinese community, as well as educators, teachers and students from both countries.

Sara Batool, a 10-year-old bright-eyed Pakistani girl with her green and white dress fluttering like a flag, clutched a small painted umbrella in her hands, decorated with red and green flags of both countries.

"I am here to enjoy the gala and meet my Chinese friends. Every year we come here and make friends, try to understand their (Chinese) language and culture," Batool said ecstatically.

Amina Anwar, a school teacher in eastern Rawalpindi district, said the happiness on children's faces is out of this world. "Look at the vibrant dresses, scarfs and embroidered waistcoats Pakistani children are wearing ... And Chinese children donning traditional Chinese clothing such as Qipao and Hanfu, made this gathering extraordinary and breathtaking."

In her address, Farah Naz Akbar, federal parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture, highly praised the enduring and solid friendship between Pakistan and China over the past 75 years.

She affirmed the significance of youth cultural exchange activity, pointing out that children are the future and hope of China-Pakistan friendship. "This event, filled with childlike innocence and warmth, injected new vitality into cultural exchanges between the two countries."

Zafar Uddin Mahmood, special representative of the Prime Minister of Pakistan for China Affairs, stated that Chinese culture is ancient, unique and worthy of study and understanding by Pakistani youth.

Speaking on the occasion, Ma Bin, president of the Chinese Education Association of Pakistan, said that over the 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, cultural exchanges and people-to-people bonds have remained the solid foundation of the friendly relations.

"The gala, bringing together 500 people from all walks of life and young people from both countries, aims to build a platform for two-way cultural exchange, allowing children from both nations to enhance understanding and deepen friendship through interactive performances," he said.

Chen Peng, cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, said that the embassy will continue to deepen cultural and educational exchanges between Chinese and Pakistani youth.

He said that China fully supports various people-to-people friendly activities, continuously consolidates the foundation of mutual understanding, and promotes the steady and long-term development of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between China and Pakistan.

The event, organized by the China Cultural Center in Pakistan, and co-organized by the Chinese Education Association in Pakistan and the Chinese Students Association Pakistan, also included award ceremonies for several youth essay competitions and classic recitation contests.■