Connect with us

Art & Culture

A Pictorial Review of Tea and Harmony – Yaji Cultural Salon Celebrations on the 74th Anniversary of China-Pakistan Diplomatic Relations

Published

on

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

Live and Let Live: A Poetic Reflection on Choice and Tolerance by Zeenat Iqbal Hakimjee from Harmony

Published

on

By

You took her out to the

Cosy restaurant for dinner,

I was vociferous in-my appeal,

For you as sinner.

Social taboos should never erect

A wall between us,

Otherwise our relationship

Will take a turn for the disastrous,

My catty instincts

Were aroused by your-

Blast of voice

If only I could have told myself

Never mind, its his choice.

The norm of the day is

Follow a strict diet

A pound here or there will not

A tremendous impact

Make on the weight

Live and let live, Take and learn to give.

Continue Reading

Art & Culture

Life’s Ups and Downs: A Poetic Reflection on Struggles and Strength by Zeenat Iqbal Hakimjee from Harmony

Published

on

By

As the mountaineer up the mountain ascends,

Traversing the path that he will have to descend.

At the sight, an ordinary man

Would have shuddered.

Up hills and pitfalls, All a part of life.

Whether it is easy going or only strife.

Sometimes an obstacle comes in the way,

Sometimes it is smooth going all the way,

Lifes ups and downs add to its totality,

Lending to it an air of immortality.

Continue Reading

Art & Culture

PAKISTAN PAVILION SHINES AT INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE OF GASTRONOMY PARIS

Published

on

By

Paris ( Imran Y. CHOUDHRY):- Ambassador of Pakistan to France Mumtaz Zahra Baloch visited the International Village of Gastronomy Paris at the invitation of its President and Founder Anne-Laure Descombin. It is one of the biggest gastronomy events in Paris being held since 2016 and aims to celebrate the richness of culinary traditions from around the world.

Inaugurating the Pakistan pavilion Ambassador Baloch highlighted the rich culinary heritage and culture of Pakistan. She appreciated the tradition of holding international gastronomy festivals to promote understanding and appreciation of the cuisine and cultures of countries around the world. Pakistan’s participation in this year’s festival is part of a series of public diplomacy initiatives being taken by the Embassy of Pakistan with a vision to popularize Pakistan’s culture and cuisine in France.

Pakistan’s pavilion remained center of attraction at the Festival as food lovers came in large numbers to enjoy Pakistani cuisine and learn about the traditional culinary culture of Pakistan.

The visitors also appreciated the diversity of the savory and sweet dishes on display: chicken biryani, channa chaat, chicken seekh kebab, vegetable samosas, gulab jamans, jaleebi along with the famous drink rooh afza and mango juice. They showed keen interest in the cooking process, the ingredients used and the recipes of the dishes.

This year the Embassy of Pakistan is participating in this mega event along with some 62 other countries and French regions. The event will continue for four days and is expected to receive over 10,000 visitors daily.

The Ambassador also appreciated the Embassy team for their zest and hard work in organizing the event.

Continue Reading

Trending