by Fatima Javed

 

 

ISLAMABAD, April 8 (Gwadar Pro) – "Pakistan has a robust and strong security system in place to protect China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and its workers particularly the Chinese nationals," said Mudassir Tipu, Director General China, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

 "Pakistan remains committed to make CPEC a high-quality demonstration project of BRI. Pakistan and China are 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners'. We have a friendship that is considered taller than mountains, deeper than ocean, and sweeter than honey. I have seen the practical manifestation of that phenomenon while working in China during two stints," he said.

 

While talking to Gwadar Pro, Tipu added that "we pay our tributes to both Pakistani and Chinese nationals who lost their lives while working on the Karakoram Highway (KKH). By sacrificing their precious lives, they made future generations of both countries secure and connected them both physically and socially by leaving behind the KKH as an invincible example of friendship between our two countries and brethren."

 

Earlier Pakistan paid tribute to the special heroes who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Karakoram highway. This year's ceremony was held especially when celebrations are undergoing following the 70 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

 

The special ceremony on the outskirts of Gilgit was held to salute the sacrifices of those Chinese engineers and workers who gave their lives to bring trade, tourism, and prosperity for people in both countries and the region.  

 

 

The ceremony was held at the monument in memory of these heroes like in previous years with the cooperation of the Pakistan China Overseas Youth Organization and Chinese Embassy. Speeches were made to pay homage to their valiant work and ultimate sacrifice.

 

A women organizer at the event said they held the ceremony to honor the Chinese brothers. A Chinese citizen said we will share with fellow citizens how the monument is well kept and the impressive ceremony to mark the work and sacrifice of Karakoram heroes. A tourist commented that we should inform others about this ceremony so more people visit to honor and improve our relations.

 

People from different organizations came to lay a wreath on the graves of Chinese workers and different religious rituals were performed.  The Boy scouts, police, tourism police, and people from the area participated in large numbers and sang songs to promote Pak-China friendship.

 

About 810 Pakistanis and about 200 Chinese workers lost their lives, mostly in landslides and falls, while building the highway. Over 140 Chinese workers who died during the construction are buried in the Chinese cemetery in Gilgit.