ISLAMABAD: Pakistani journalist Irfan Ashraf praised China’s governance model, rapid development and global leadership while addressing the closing ceremony of the Lectures on China Development Studies & Media Exchange Programme at Renmin University of China, calling the experience “unforgettable” and a source of deep learning for journalists from 93 countries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ashraf said the programme helped participants understand how China, once devastated by war, foreign aggression and economic collapse, transformed within decades into the world’s second-largest economy, the largest trading nation, and the global leader in foreign exchange reserves.
He noted that through visits and interactions under the CIPCC programme, journalists found clear answers: “Behind China’s landmark achievements stands the Communist Party of China, which not only ended the trauma of war but also lifted the nation in power generation, oil and steel production, automobile manufacturing, and one of the world’s greatest poverty alleviation efforts.”
Ashraf highlighted the Chinese governance model as a key driver of success, praising its ability to provide equal opportunities, education, healthcare and cultural preservation for 56 ethnic groups, a rare example of social harmony. He said President Xi Jinping’s people-centric development vision, along with China’s modern agricultural practices, industrial advancements and technological innovation, had given real meaning to the country’s rise.
He also underlined China’s global role in supporting developing nations, particularly through infrastructure, ports, energy projects, and agriculture, adding that initiatives proposed by President Xi including the Global Governance Initiative at the SCO Summit offer a new development pathway for underdeveloped countries.
Reflecting on his own home region in Rawalakot, AJK, Ashraf said its landscape resembles parts of Yunnan Province and that he plans to propose the development models of Malipo and Jinping counties to his government for local uplift.
He praised China’s public transport systems including subways, e-bikes, taxi apps, and high-speed rail — calling them examples the world can adopt to improve public service delivery.
Ashraf said the experience had forged lasting friendships among journalists from Asia, Africa, Europe, and beyond. “Farewell moments are not easy, but in today’s digital world, I believe these friendships will remain alive,” he remarked.
The ceremony concluded with participants expressing gratitude to CIPCC and Renmin University for facilitating meaningful exchanges on China’s development, governance model and global engagement.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025