Beijing-Islamabad friendship stronger than steel: Chinese leader

TIL Desk/World/Islamabad/Pakistan on Monday celebrated its 71st Independence Day, with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Yang saying the Beijing-Islamabad friendship “is stronger than steel and sweeter than honey”.

Wang, who attended the flag hoisting ceremony at Islamabad’s Convention Centre, said China and Pakistan had stood by each other in difficult times and “this friendship will stand the test of time and grow with coming generations.

The ceremony began with a 31-gun salute here, after a flag hoisting event by President Mamnoon Hussain. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and all three chiefs of the country’s armed services were present on the occasion that marked the day when Pakistan and India got freedom from British colonial rule.

A 21-gun salute was observed in the provincial capitals and commemorative ceremonies were held in all major cities, the media reported. Hussain said on the occasion: “Let us join hands for development and prosperity of the motherland by keeping aside our differences. Let us promote love and harmony by overcoming hatred and misgivings.”