PN Report
Islamabad — The China Program at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), in collaboration with CGTN Urdu, hosted a seminar titled “Yan’an Journal: A Dialogue Beyond Mountains and Seas” to reflect on the legacy of the Chinese Long March and its relevance for Pakistan-China relations.
Moderated by IRS China Program Head Nabila Jafer, the seminar noted that 2026 marks the 90th anniversary of the Long March (1934-35) and 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic ties. Guest of Honour was Mr. Chen Peng, Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy.
The event opened with a CGTN Urdu documentary retracing the Long March route and linking it to modern China, including stories like a youth expanding his family apple business via e-commerce.
Panelist Shakeel Ramay, CEO of AIERD, said of 86,000 who started the Long March, only about 6,000 survived, forging a new Communist Party built on discipline, equality and people-centred values. He said today’s Long March is building a modern socialist country and a community with a shared future.
Dr. Hassan Daud Butt of Bahria University credited China’s rise to pragmatic leadership, policy continuity and whole-of-government approach, stressing inclusive development for peace.
Mr. Chen Peng likened the Karakoram Highway – where 130 Chinese engineers died – to another Long March. He said CPEC has completed 43 projects with $25bn investment, adding 8,900 MW and 200,000 jobs, and is now entering Phase-II focused on industry, agriculture, digital and green energy.
Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, in a message, said such documentaries transmit values of sacrifice to youth.
Panelists urged Pakistani youth studying in China to learn Chinese and to aim for 2047 for a prosperous Pakistan.
