"Further nurture the soil of friendly cooperation between Pakistan and China" (Yuanqi China)

Studying abroad in China has changed my life, "said Zafar Uddin Mahmoud, Chairman of the Pakistan" Understanding China "Forum and former Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, in a recent interview with our newspaper." I have formed a lifelong bond with China. I look forward to more young people from both countries also forming bonds and further cultivating the soil of friendly cooperation between Pakistan and China

In 1976, Zafar went to China to study Chinese at Beijing Language Institute (now Beijing Language and Culture University). From 1977 to 1982, he studied at Sun Yat sen Medical College in Guangzhou (now Sun Yat sen University Sun Yat sen Medical College). After graduation, Zafar chose to stay in China and engage in investment and trade work with China. In 1998, he was appointed as the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Pakistan in China. Afterwards, he also served as the Consul General of Pakistan in Shanghai and the Special Envoy for the China Pakistan Economic Corridor. After stepping down and returning to China in 2017, Zafar founded the Pakistan "Understanding China" Forum in 2020 and served as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, making important contributions to the development of China Pakistan relations.

Looking back on his study abroad career, what impressed Zafar the most was the deep friendship he formed with his teachers and classmates. In Beijing, Zafar spent his first New Year's Eve with his classmates at a Chinese teacher's house. Facing international students from all over the world, the teachers and Chinese classmates were warm and friendly, making us feel the warmth of home. "Zafar vividly remembers his study abroad life decades ago, just like talking about what happened yesterday. His classmates also include former Ethiopian President Mullatu Teshome. For him and many international students, China is their common 'second home'.

In Guangzhou, I have made more Chinese friends and felt their full enthusiasm and high fighting spirit in the rapidly developing era. Zafar sincerely praised the humility and diligence of the Chinese people, as well as their attitude towards life full of beautiful expectations for the future. In his impression, Chinese friends always face valuable development opportunities and work hard without fear of difficulties, ultimately turning their dreams into reality.

Zafar has been studying, working, and living in China for 40 years, witnessing the rapid development and earth shaking changes of China's economy and society since the reform and opening up: from the completion and opening of the "tallest building in China" Guangzhou Baiyun Hotel in 1976, to the unique and varied urban skylines of major cities in China today; From China's introduction of the first jet airliner from Pakistan to China's independently developed high-speed rail and C919 aircraft... "China's development and changes are too fast, too incredible," said Zafar emotionally.

Zafar stated that China's development experience should receive more attention and research globally. As a witness and witness to China's development, he is both honored and deeply aware of the heavy responsibility he shoulders. My mission is to help more people understand China and, in this way, assist countries in the global South in finding a path suitable for their own development, achieving rapid economic and social development, and benefiting people of all countries

To achieve this goal, Zafar established the Pakistan "Understanding China" Forum, which introduces China's development history and successful experience to people from all walks of life in Pakistan through seminars, publishing books, newspapers, and other means, providing reference for countries in the global South, including Pakistan. The "Understanding China" forum actively promotes young people in Pakistan to understand China and engage in extensive exchanges with Chinese youth. Zafar said that with the continuous promotion of cooperation in various fields between Pakistan and China, more and more Chinese companies are investing in Pakistan, and more and more Pakistani students are studying in China; From the joint construction of the Karakoram Highway across the "world's highest port" Hongqilafu, to the high-quality joint construction of the "the Belt and Road" to promote the construction of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, exchanges between the two countries in various fields have been deepening.

The development process of China contains rich experience, and the brilliant achievements China has made prove the important value of the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. "Zafar said that China's development benefits from forward-looking economic policies, stable social environment, and continuously improving governance capabilities in reform and opening up. Summarizing and drawing on China's development experience is of great significance to countries in the global South.

The development achievements made by China not only benefit its own people, but also create opportunities for global development, "said Zafar." I am fortunate to witness China's development and deeply feel the responsibility to share China's story and experience with more people