Pakistan, China call for stronger people-to-people exchanges at National Day event

Islamabad (People's Daily) - The Centre of Excellence for CPEC held a ceremony at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) in Islamabad on Thursday to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Participants highlighted people-to-people exchanges and cooperation as essential to deepening Pakistan-China friendship as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Chinese Cultural Counselor Chen Peng delivers a speech at an event marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Islamabad on October 1, 2026. (Photo: People's Daily)

Chinese Cultural Counselor Chen Peng said China's progress in economic and social development, poverty alleviation, science and environmental protection reflects the hard work and aspirations of its people. He noted that China-Pakistan friendship has remained strong through changing international circumstances and highlighted CPEC's role in creating new opportunities in connectivity, investment, and development. He added that educational, cultural and youth exchanges are essential to deepening mutual understanding and bringing cooperation closer to the people.

Dr. Nadeem Javaid, vice chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, speaks at the National Day celebration in Islamabad on October 1, 2026. (Photo: People's Daily)

PIDE Vice Chancellor Dr. Nadeem Javaid said China's development experience demonstrates the importance of sustained vision, investment in human capital and knowledge, strong institutions, and translating plans into results. He proposed that CPEC 2.0 should shift focus from connectivity to productivity, infrastructure to industrialization, investment to exports and technology adoption to innovation. He also proposed a China-Pakistan People and Cultural Corridor linking universities, researchers, young people, entrepreneurs, artists and intellectual communities.

A Chinese student delivers a speech in Urdu at the National Day event at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Islamabad on October 1, 2026. (Photo: People's Daily)

Young Chinese and Pakistani participants shared reflections on language learning and cultural exchange. A Chinese student speaking in Urdu described Pakistan as her second home, citing hospitality and respect for elders as shared values. She noted that young people can carry the friendship forward through cooperation in education, research, technology and culture.

A Pakistani student delivers a speech in Chinese at the National Day event at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Islamabad on October 1, 2026. (Photo: People's Daily)

Guests cut a cake to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics in Islamabad on October 1, 2026. (Photo: People's Daily)