Art & Culture
A Pictorial Review of Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon Celebrations on the 74th Anniversary of China-Pakistan Diplomatic Relations
Islamabad (Bilal Javaid, Bureau Chief):- On the auspicious occasion of the 74th anniversary of the China-Pakistan diplomatic relation celebration held on 21st and 22nd May 2025. China Embassy arranged a first-time Chinese tea gala under the ‘Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon’ and ‘Hanfu’ try-on activity, offering a unique opportunity to wear and learn about traditional Chinese attire at Sir Syed Memorial Hall, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Moreover, 21st May is not only the day of establishment of diplomatic relations in 1951 between China and Pakistan but also recognized as International Tea Day by UNESCO in 2019. This year is the first time the Chinese Embassy organized the Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Saloon in Pakistan, reflecting the shared values of peace, friendship, and cultural appreciation to reinforce the enduring partnership between the two nations.
The event also featured a rich blend of traditional Chinese culture and art, showcasing a special exhibition and live demonstration of classical Chinese Tea-making Techniques, inviting guests from various walks of life to experience the elegance and serenity of Chinese Tea Culture, from the delicate tea ceremony to regional tea traditions, the demonstrations highlighted the diversity and depth of Chinese heritage.
Adding to the immersive experience, the organizers also invited attendees to participate in a Hanfu try-on activity, offering a unique opportunity to wear and learn about traditional Chinese attire, symbolizing and building a new dimension of harmony between the two cultures.
Some pictures are presented hereby for a worldwide audience and discerning eyes of those who have keen interests in the culture of the exotic lands of the world to build harmony, understanding, and friendship among the peace-loving peoples of the entire globe, a home abode of mankind.
Some pictorial highlights of the event are attached below for witness of the discerning eyes;
Pic 1: A Chinese woman demonstrates traditional Chinese Tea at the “Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon” exhibition, held at Sir Syed Memorial Hall, Islamabad, Pakistan, to celebrate the 74th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations on 22nd May 2025.
Pic 2: Below, the honorable guests, including the ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Jiang Zaidong, and the Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, experience the Chinese delights at the event.
Pic 3: The respected guests enjoying the Chinese delights of Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon” exhibition at the event venue, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pic 4: A Pakistani student prepares traditional Chinese tea after receiving a demonstration during the ‘Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon’ exhibition held to celebrate the 74th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations at Sir Syed Memorial Hall, Islamabad.
Pic 5, 6: Chinese traditional tea-making ladies are serving and entertaining Pakistani visitors during the “Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon” exhibition, held to celebrate the 74th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations at Sir Syed Memorial Hall, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pic 7: A young Chinese Artist performs on the traditional GuZheng during the “Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon” and Hanfu try-on activity of traditional Chinese attire exhibition, His Excellency Jiang Zaidong, Ambassidor Republic of China and the Honorable Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq amusing by the performance of the young Chinese artist/musician at the memorable celebrations of the 74th Anniversary of China-Pakistan Diplomatic Relationship.
Pic 8: A view of young Chinese artist performance on the traditional GuZheng during the “Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon” and Hanfu try-on activity of traditional Chinese attire exhibition.
Pic 9: Group photo of the Chinese Artists and Children along with Embassy Staff pose for a photo during Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon, exhibition at Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pic 10: A photo of visitors with the honorable Mr. Chen Peng, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, during the Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Saloon exhibition at Islamabad.
Pic 11: Honorable Mr. Chen Peng, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, joins students from the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) after Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Saloon Exhibition for a group photo at Sir Syed Memorial Hall, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Pic 12: A random view of Chinese and Pakistani friends holding the flags to exchange influential emotions and celebrate the relations between the two nations on the eve of the 74th anniversary of China’s diplomatic relations with Pakistan at Sir Syed Memorial Hall, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Art & Culture
From Bank Lines to Bus Seats: Bold Lessons in Courtesy, Courage, and Everyday Survival
In the line of bill payers at the bank,
As the fairer sex,
If sick, don’t just be blank
“Ladies first”, “excuse me11, “before you please.”
For deals with unpaid bills,
Ask for goods back, threat if you will,
Repeat the request for a job.
You may make it from the mob,
Instead of standing, share the seat on the bus
Isn’t it much better than making a fuss,
Whatever you do during tug-of-war, do not push the rope
Or you’ll be the laughing stock amidst cries of, “What a dope.”
Art & Culture
Bareendo of Pakistan Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) List
Paris(Imran Y. CHOUDHRY):- Bareendo (Bhorindo), one of the oldest surviving folk instruments of Sindh, has been officially inscribed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in need of urgent safeguarding. The decision was adopted at the 20th Session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The Bareendo is a clay wind instrument whose origins trace back to the 5,000-year-old Indus Valley Civilization. It is a symbol of Sindh’s spiritual and communal traditions. For centuries, its soft and meditative tones have accompanied winter gatherings, Sufi practices, and rural celebrations. Today, however, the tradition is endangered, with only one master musician, Ustaad Faqeer Zulfiqar, and one master potter, Allah Jurio, preserving its complete knowledge.
The nomination of Bareendo as an ICH in urgent need of safeguarding is the result of an intensive consultative process between the Government of Sindh, Pakistan Mission’s to UNESCO in France and the UNESCO Headquarters. It was inspired by a community-led and participatory process in the village of Keti Mir Muhammad Loond village in Sindh province to protecting Bareendo as a cultural heritage. Their efforts shaped the comprehensive Four-Year Safeguarding Plan (2026–2029), which includes the establishment of a community music school, integration of Bareendo heritage into formal and informal education, and the use of digital platforms to expand cultural outreach. UNESCO’s inscription will support the conservation process.
Permanent Delegate of Pakistan to UNESCO Ambassador Mumtaz Zahra Baloch welcomed the decision of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee to inscribe Bareendo as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in urgent need of safeguarding. “The inscription of Bareendo is a proud moment for Pakistan and a tribute to the communities who have preserved this ancient instrument and music for generations. Bareendo is not only an emblem of the Indus Valley’s cultural continuity but also a living expression of Sindh’s artistic and spiritual heritage.”
“This recognition by UNESCO reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to the protection and promotion of our diverse cultural traditions. We look forward to working closely with UNESCO to ensure that the knowledge, craftsmanship, and musical identity of the Bareendo is transmitted to future generations”, she said.
Art & Culture
“The Backyard Ballet: Cat and Crow in Comic Courtship — A Poem by Zeenat Iqbal Hakimjee”
My backyard is livened up
By the cat and the crow.
From a distance they for each other
A liking show.
Caw Caw, Meow Meow they hark & howl.
A din enough, to disturb the neighbouring fowl
Both of them perched on the dustbin.
Turn by turn.
Waiting for a morsel, from the kitchen to return.
Up goes the left over meat, in the air,
What ensues would ashame ‘The battle for the chair
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