In a tribute to Chinese officials working across Pakistan and an effort to preserve the country’s northern gateway, Karakoram International University (KIU) students and faculty last week organized a special ceremony and a cleanliness campaign at Khunjerab Pass, the first sight of Pakistan for many arriving Chinese, according to a Gwadar Pro's report on Tuesday. Students and teachers from China Study Centre KIU, International Office KIU, and Confucius Institute-KIU organised the event at Khunjerab Top.

The activity was supported by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Islamabad. Dr. Sajjad Haider, director of KIU’s International Office, said the event aimed to pay tribute to Chinese nationals contributing to Pakistan’s development across various sectors. “We want to pay rich tribute to those Chinese nationals who are working in Pakistan, whether they are engineers, teachers, professors, researchers or serving in other fields,” he said.

“China-Pakistan friendship is everlasting, and we hope it will continue to flourish in the days to come.” Dr. Faqir Muhammad, director of the China Study Centre KIU, said the team gathered at Khunjerab Top to honor Chinese workers who are serving in Pakistan. Aziz Ahmad Jan, in-charge of the Confucius Institute at KIU, also supported the campaign and highlighted ongoing efforts to protect the fragile environment of the border region.

Sadat Sher Khan, assistant professor at the Department of Agriculture and Food Technology, thanked the Chinese government and the Chinese Embassy for expanding opportunities for Pakistani students in higher education. He said the cleanliness drive was also intended to remind tourists to help protect Khunjerab Top. “This is a watershed from where water flows to the entire Pakistan,” he said. “My message to all tourists is to keep this place clean,” Mr. Khan said.

Shabbir Ullah Biag, range forest officer at Khunjerab National Park, said the initiative carried a dual purpose to expressing gratitude to China for supporting Pakistani students and promoting environmental protection in the country’s northern highlands. “This is the face of Pakistan,” he said. “As our Chinese friends enter from China into Pakistan, their first sight falls on Khunjerab. If this area is not clean, it does not send a good message. I request all tourists to keep this place clean, eco-green, and present the beautiful face of Pakistan.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China