In The Land Of Fairies II

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In the land of the fairies
(year 2007-2009)
The China that I saw
All copy Right regarding this book are protected by the author.
Name of the book = in the land of the fairies.
Writer = Rashid Ahmed
Year of Issue/publication of the book 2010
Total Quantity = 1000
Composing = Israr Sheikh
Published by = Art Point Peshawar
Price = Rs. 250
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DEDICATED TO
To my Chinese friends to their emotions and to who convinced me to write this book. I
dedicate this book to all those friends because of which I was able to visit these areas.
Whatever the readers are about to read, I bestow all to these persons.
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S.NO TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE.NO
1 A few words about my self
2 Introduction to “this land of fairies” book
3 Arrival to China coning to china
4 Arrival t Beijing coning to Beijing
5 First appointment
6 The atmosphere of the office
7 Beijing
8 The where amalgamation of both conservatism and
modernism
9 People at the office my colleague
10 Friends and relatives
11 The Pakistan embassy in Beijing
12 The mosques in China
13 The young Chinese wo Qing
14 A day at the Great wall
15 Urumqi
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16 Turpan
17 The amen mosque in (Amin Masjid) Turpan
18 Kachighq Kashghar (Kashi)
19 Eid-gah mosque and the graveyard khogagan
20 Two weeks in USA
21 A Trip to Qinghai
22 Qinghai
23 Chaning Xining
24 Shee Aan Xi An
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A few words about my self
My name is Rashid Ahmad and my father name is Prof. Fazal Mabood a retired principal
from Govt.post Graduate college Mansehra .Our village is Bara Bandi which is situated
on Matta road in Naik Peekhail tehsil KabalDistt. Swat.
This area has historical and geographical importance.
I got my early education at local school in our village. Which was like a school of
vagabonds and sometimes we stayed in a hujra and some times in mosques.. We studied
our first two classes moving around like vagabonds.
I got my elementary education from the school in our village. Then I passed my
matriculation from Govt. High school Dherai. And then I passed my intermediate exams
from F.S.C government Degree College Matta. I received my B.Sc degree from Govt.
post Graduate, Jehanzeb College Swat and my M.Sc degree form Gomal university
D.I.Khan. I was studying and carrying research work for my M.Phil Degree Peshawar
University . when I became associated with Radio Pakistan as a producer. I worked in all
kinds and all departments of Radio Pakistan Drama, Music, Speeches, documentary
programs features, Current Affairs, programs on religions and fox agricultural programs
for our brothren farmers. Hence, I have worked in all formats in Radio Pakistan. I have
also contributed my service in Radio Pakistan Peshawar, Turbat, Abbottabad and Current
Affairs Channel Islamabad. For two years from 2007 to 2009 I provided my services to
china Radio International in Beijing. And henceforth, this journey of my life is
continuing.
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SOME INFORMATION ON THE LAND OF THE FAIRIES
Chinese princesses and fairies are very famous in our national (folk) tales. It is every
body dream to witness this delicate beauty and style. And when someone actually getthe
chance to witness everything that he was anticipating, become amazed. China truly is
“the land of the fairies”. In ancient times if this country was famous for its fairies, then
today it is famous for its hardworking nation, and the extreme hard work of its leaders,
and China still is the palatial land of the fairies.
China has always been remained a mysterious land and will remain to be so. China has
been famous for knowledge and art since ancient times. The Chinese Philosphy coined a
great name for itself. Chinese society has always valued and treasured knowledge. People
here were liberal during ancient times. And even today their society in broad minded and
have a respect and reverence for knowledge.
Like everyone else, when I came to china I had heard a lot about the place and when I
saw everything before I could not help being impressed. Every person has a different way
of thinking and measuring is unique and varies from person to person. Since I was
associated with Radio Pakistan and Radio training is such that we bring facts to ordinary
people in their own language. It does not include formalities or huge literary sentences.
The same is my condition. This book is not a literary book. Whatever ever I saw and
visualized I penned it down I am not even writing a daily account This happened, that
happened instead I have analyzed the Chinese nation, its Character and analyzed the facts
in many areas where I compared China to my own country could be disagreeable for
some readers.
There is a lot of literary and audio material available on China, and you readers can
benefit from it But I have documented what I have seen. I also must admit that I could
not narrate some of the information I wanted.
Since I am a Muslim, I have documented more about the life of the Muslims. One reason
for this being is that China is a socialist country, therefore there is a lot of suspicion
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towards Muslims. This is the reason why I closely monitored Muslim life and reflected
my thoughts and views. I am a Muslim and it is natural that my sympathies and
associations will be with the Chinese Muslim community.
Second important issue to raise is that this documentation will dispel all
misunderstandings present towards Muslims. The Chinese Muslims love Islam as much
as an Arab or Pakistanis, and most importantly in a socialist country where religion is
restricted. So how is it possible for a Muslim to remain a Muslim. The answer to this
question is that indeed china is a socialist country but its socialism suits their mind set
and prespective. You will amazed as to how Chinese Muslims are liberated in practicing
their socialism.
Whatever problems they are facing, I have mentioned in my book. What challenges are
they facing today Not only do the Chinese Muslims have religious freedom but Chinese
practicing other religions enjoy this freedom as well.
No one has criticized this book and neither is it necessary. I have documented what I
have seen I am a Radio Journalist and I view the world with the same eye as most people.
This book will not be in your hands of it were not for Israr Sheikh who with his good
advice and hard work had not assisted me in composing this book. It would be unjust if I
do not thank Gul Muhammad Betab for his sincere advice and fro constantly persisting
and instilling me with the passion the write this book. I would like the thank my friend
Abdul Majeed Balauch for proof reading my book. And Iqbal Hairaan for his constant
reminders, expert opinion and his efforts in printing the book in order to convert it into
tangible reality which would not be possible otherwise.
It is requested from the readers that any correction in proof. Reading and their correction
and your farther opinion on the book is most welcome. And kindly forgive our mistakes.
Thanking you,
Rashid Ahmad
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IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST BENEFICIENT, THE MOST
MERCIFY
Arrival in China
So gentlemen! I set on a jurney to China. China that is the land of fairies.
My going to China was not a coincidence
I producer of Radio Pakistan always works with China Radio International So when over
neighbours required workers So they requested producers from Radio Pakistan in keeping
with tradition. The persons nominated by Radio Pakistan for test and interview included
me. I was informed of the above quoted information in Director General Ashfoq
Gondal’s office by Controller Homex (incharge of interior transmission) Mr.Sharif
Shaad.
I did not visit the office of Director General Radio Pakistan due to coincidence but rather
in duress. The situation was such that I had not come from. Aboltabal to Peshawar for
two year, that one day deputy controller. Noor-al-Basr asked me to try and get my
transfer halted which to has taken place in chitral and very soon my orders will be
received. I found this thing very strange. Because there were more people present who
had spent more time in Peshawar . person who were eligible for transfer were not
transferred. I was busy bandying about this mater.
Today also, I went to Radio Pakistan’s Director Generals office in this regard. On this
occasioncontroller home transmission, was also present.
When I brought forward the issue of my transmission, Mr. Sharif shad said to the DG,
“He has been nominated for China”.
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My reaction to this was that I was not the only individual called you have called
personnel from all station.
Hence a sequence of events started I, morder to my transfer paid regular visits to
Islamabad and I also participated in the test and interview for CRI. And hence, I
befriended nominee CRI through these various visits CRI has a unique was of selection.
This process took three months and within these three months my transfer was halted,
with great difficulty. Likewise, I received information from CRI, to make preparations to
go to China.
It was an honour to work for China Radio International it was an organization of
international repute. People from all over the world come to work here. On the other had,
it is the dream of many a people to visit China an if Allah gives you such an opportunity
then who is he to deny his blessings. And this is the reason why I set off for the peoples
republic of China.
During these times Mr. Naveed Ahmed chautan had come back after spending five and a
half years at CRI. I met Mr. Chauhan and received tremendous information about China.
One note of mention is that when Naveed chauhan left for China in the year 2000, then
the person who persuaded him to go to China was yours truly. But unfortunately the
event of the attack of the twin towers in America and China like all other countries in the
world made their individual decisions.
Because this country now gained prominence Hence, no one left from Pakistan Well this
was a discussion on the year 2000. But the circumstances that were created on a global
stage gave me an opportunity to go to China. And I started preparing for my voyage. And
I left off to the land of fairies.
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ARRIVAL TO BEIJING
On 15th November 2007 I boarded a plane for Peshawar at 8.a.m and the plane took off
for Beijing. There I had a flight for 11.a.m similarly I had to spent time in Karachi till
11.a.m
Coincidentally, my counsin had just returned from England. His wife taught at the
microbiology department at Karachi University had gone to England for her P.h.D
Their entire family had shiffed abroad for two years. I got an opportunity to visit them
after they she returned from her PhD. We kept visiting each other cordially for several
days. I went to Karachi after the year 1990. I treasured the time I treasured the time spent
with my sousins family in the interval of the two flights.
If I had not had an encounter with my cousin’s family then my time would have been
spent at Karachi International Air port.
In night the journey from Karachi to Beijing was passed. Because according to 11.a.m
Pakistan time, a China Air plane headed for Beijing, and the next day according to
Beijing time if landed on 8.a.m at the Beijing International air port. And honce forth I set
foot in the land of the fairies.
Because China is famous in Pakistan as “the land of the fairies” so I will refer to China as
“the land of the fairies”. We shall speak on this subject. In our old table koh kaahf and
Chinese fairies are famous rather they are common in speech.
I spent the whole night journeying in air without sleep and I kept thinking about my work
in China. Whatever I read about China hovered before my eyes. Similarly, scones from
Martial Arts movies came before my eyes. Similarly my mind was captivated by the
glory of ancient China.
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When are entered the boundaries of Beijing in the morning, the view down under looked
quite strange was completely stunned when I saw the tall sky scrappers of Beijing.
Beijing its those days was preparing for its Olympics and you could see the city in
preparation wherever your eyes it took you. Wherever you went you saw advertisement
and signs of the Olympic games. Beijing games had occupied everyone’s mind and it was
the subject of our conversation. It was only on our arrival in Beijing that were alized how
much the Chinese people honored the pride of their nation, their unity, and the feeling of
togetherness amongst them. Also, how much those people value the dignity of their
nation.
My Nepali friend Kamal Lamsaal become very emotional and we liked him we more than
the Chinese.
Anyways these were the events and topics which I will elaborate further in my books.
I liked Beijing airport very much when I arrived there. I arrived in the morning. The
contrast was such that fans were on in the whole of Karachi where as it was extremely
cold in Beijing and the winter season had begun.
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ASSIGNMENT
FIRST WORK
When our plane landed in Beijing airport, a little while later we were asked to exit the
plane. The moment we stopped out of the plane. The cold breeze of Beijing welcomed on
the other hand I realized that I did not bring warm clothes with me. The staff of the
airport were good and their conduct was friendly we did not spend a long time at the
airport. We simply realized our handicap of not knowing the Chinese language, where as
the staff at the airport was speaking Chinese and I was staring at their mouths at moment
it felt like that it you a member of the staff says to us that if you wanted to come here
then you should have learned Chinese. Anyway, excess time was not spent at the airport.
When I was arriving for China, it felt like I would do with my English but that was just
wishful kinking on my behalf. Later on a lot of suspiciouns and troubles captivated the
mind.
When I arrived a representative of China Radio international was waiting for me. He
introduced himself as Sarfraz, which I must admit amazed me and delighted me because
there was a familiarity to his name. there was also an element of beholding in his name. I
really enjoyed talking to him because be spoke Urdu. His Urdu was not so good. Upon
my asking he told me that he was educated in the Chinese language.
Mr. Sarfraz brought a CIR car with him. He stated out his plan. First we will show you
your residence so you can make arrangements for your accommodation. And hence, we
set out to search for a house.
First thing to do in Chine is get yourself registered at a police station. You must posses
the papers of the landlord in which ever location you choose to live. Therefore we rented
a house and then went to the police station to get timely registration done. If you do not
register yourself within 24 hours, then in the eyes of the law you are a criminal and your
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punishment is deportation. Therefore, whoever arrives in Beijing gets registered first.
Besides, if you travel to another location, and spend 24 hours there as well, than
registration is a must. This is the law of the land and there are no “buts”.
Finding a home is a big hassle and every person goes through U. because wherever you
go people are involved in the same business. We need a roof over our head, and we need
a home to spend the night. I was under the belief that ever were going to a fairyland
where we will not encounter these problems. But today, in Beijing we had to do in
Beijing what we head been doing our entire lives. When assistant producer Muhammad
Sidique paracha was transferred to Radio Pakistan Peshawar, he ended up changing six
residences in six monthes. Little did we know we would be doing the same in China.
I liked the first residence I saw then I was shown some flats which were not to my liking.
Therefore I choose the first residence which had a bed room, a dining room,bathroom and
kitchen along with an old fridge , a television set, and a charpai (a bed made of wood,
straw an ropes).
Mr. Sarfraz showed me the CRI building from the window of the house and told me we
were heading there after spending some fifteen minutes watching beautiful and modern
arclritecture me reached the building of China Radio International. Public security is
given great importance in China. Everywhere you see are public security personnel.
Before entering any building, one must go through a procedure and that is why China is
included amongst the safest countries in the world. I think that Beijing is one of the safest
countries in the world. Also, China Radio International which is one of the biggest
transmitting stations, takes care and caution about its security. Anyways when we
reached the 12rh floor tusing an elevator and then proceded to enter the department of
Radio services. The staff present grected me with warmth and belongingness. I did not
feel like a stranger here coonpletly new to me although, I knew no one still pwople
seemed familiar to me. I spoke to the Urdu incharge Mahwish (Xao Chiao) once or twice
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on the phone. But when I met those people that day it seemed as if we know each other
for a long time.
We all exchanged asslam-o-alaikum and waAlaikum- Asslam with each other we sat for
a while after which according to Ms. Mehwishs instructions we left. We rocicued money
from the bank. We left for the nearby resturant for lunch. It was a Muslim resturant where
halal food was served. All workers at the resturant were Muslim. They all gave the order
for the same dish. I couldn’t understand the meaning of the dish at first but when the dish
was brought before us, lit was indeed delicious. We were told that the dish was sheejiang
and its name was Dabangi. Hence forth, the above mentioned dish become my favorite
dish and whenever I tok a friend for a bite to eat then Dabangi was always included.
Madame Mehwish had already taken care of the bill amount to pay the rent. So, we left
for the property dealer. The agreement was signed after a long meeting and discussion.
I was handed over the keys to the house we took the keys of the house and stayed out till
9:50 in the night. We felt the cold of Beijing after we left the office of the property
dealer…… we feet as if me were without clothes. I felt cold although I was wearing a
coat. But the cold was intense. We went straight for the khwafu super market. There we
purchased warm clothes, cups, tea kettle, and other necessary items then we left for
home. After selting the room straight Mr.Sarfraz made his exit and laid down on the
charpai. This was my first night I Beijing. The day went by and the next day started
properly with work.
I was lost in thoughts. All the events that passed started coming before me and I truly felt
like. I was in the land of fairies…..
The atmosphere in the office when I woke up in the morning I found myself in a new
atmosphere Breakfast comprised of tea and bread. When I looked out of the window I
saw many old ladies who didn’t look less than fairies. They were dancing in their
beautiful coloured dresses. All these people were doing a particular exercise which I
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learnt was tai-chi- tai chi is a form of Martial Arts which is exercised by aged people.
Anyhow, this was the scene of y residences backyard.
When we reached oru office madam Mehwish greeted u F/so included were Madam
Mussarat, Madam Zohra, Madam Saleema, deoshaad Khawi Madam Tahira and Faraz
weer present and I met will all of them later on I also met professor Lou, Madam Razia,
Madam Twing, Madam Shaheena. The four names I mentioned formally have now
resigned from their jobs but they are providing services to CRI presently. When I was
coming back Madam Tong was asking me to exit due to some compulsions. These were
all sweet and loving people.
Madam Mehwish explained to me which work I was supposed to do and which work I
shouldn’t do. She explained the work timings to me. She told me there were two types of
timing one in the morning and times were 8.a.m to 5.p.m And lunch break during these
timings were from 11:oo am to 2.00 pm. In The evenings timings lasted from 2.am in the
after noun to 10:50 pm at night and dinner timing were from 5:00 pm to 6.00 pm. There
is more work load in the evening shift because this is the time news starts coming in And
news has to be telecast after preparation. But because CRI had only one expert in the
department we had to come in the evening. During this time Hamid Zahoor was in China,
but he was on holiday, therefore he couldn’t work.
Let us continue with our conversation. So this is how I met a lot of people. The person
who I was anxiously waiting to meet was not there. This was the person I met frequently
and I become close friends with him, so I was desperate to see him. This perso ality had
come from Pakistan before me. I discovered later on that he was on holiday and will
return to office in two months. Hence, a lot of time was spent conversating with people.
Then I was taken to some foreign experts where my paper work was complete forms
were completed inorder to make cards. I form was filled to make a card. I was awarded a
certificate which was handed out to foreigners which I had to keep with me at all times.
This serves as evidence that have been allowed to live you and work in china. We shall
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discuss this malter later. Then a was dinner time I was along with Madam Mussarat,
Madam Zohra and Madam Saleema inent to the respective window reserved for a CRI
canteen Chinese Muslims and showed me how to buy food from this section and later on
we ate a Chinese meal in Chinese style. We ate with Kuwaiz (we ate with specks because
Chinese don’t use spoons). After this we all had a long conversation. Our counterparts
wanted to know more about Pakistan where as I wanted to know about them. And so his
exchange of thoughts continued. Food become a problem. But the department of Urdu
cooperated with me. They cooperated with me as much as I can. Whenever I needed
advice, they guided me. And they were always ready to help me I went outside after
eating food. I returned to my office at 2.p.m everyone showed up for work at 2.p.m every
person was seated infront of a computer and working every was paying altention to their
work each individual was concentrating on his or her own work and were not interfering
in the work of others The point of make here is that everyone was so absorbed in their
work that it didn’t fed as if anyone was present. There was complete silence I enjoyed
working in this atmosphere. Duty ended at 10.p.m and I left for her.
Maswish was the lead of the Urdu Department and still is she was a very social and
generous woman and was very considerate towards her employees. She was a silent
woman, workaholic and extremely serious woman. Madam Tahira was a pleasant, forever
smiling and woman. She was deputy chairman of the Urdu department. One thing I
would like to mention that our official did not comprise of a room. Infact it was a very
big hall where there were column of table I cabin was made for each worker each cabin
had a computer, a drawer and space for papers and book to keep in We all used to sit
together but still the atmosphere was of pin drop silence. If anyone wanted to speak, then
he or she had to whisper. Next to our service was the tamil department. We sometimes
exchanged views with them. Our studies were present on the some floor. And the
Burmese people used to work in our studios, alongside us. We used to work in shifts for
which the timings were set.
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The conduct of these people was friendly and loving. The atmosphere in the office was
clean and pleasant.
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BEIJING
Beijing is china’s capital. Whatever the era it has acquainted the position of a capital city.
Since Beijing is part of northern China, it is also called the northern capital of China. In
the Chinese language “Bei” means “North” and “Jing” means Capital. In simple words
we can call it northern capital It is said that when Genghis Khan’s grandson Kublai Khan
formulates his governance in this area. He not only rebuild the city but made it reach its
pinnacle. When Marcopolo came here in 1275, he was very impressed with this city. A
boundary was built round this city. Which is even present today.
Old Beijing that is the old city is also called prohibited city. Kings his family members,
the wealthy and the aristocrats used to live here. Their way of life initiated the
construction of Khoutong which is a word in the Monghul language. These areas are also
deserving of sightseeing. These area show the laxury of the Kings that ruled here which is
another landmark of Beijing. Beijing has seen many ups and downs and has been through
the hot and cold seasons of time. Beijing witness Changshaahi era, and then the European
times and also the Tapanese invasion.
On 1st October 1949 a sun rose on this city. That day the Chinese nation and leaders
decided that the ear of cruelty and infringement of rights was over and now and a new era
will begin of peace, friends and welfare. And one day the whole world will witness to it.
In 2008, on the eight day of the eight month, the people of this city proved this prophecy
to be true. Their dreams were realized. And proved that this was indeed the land of
fairies. The year 2008 was very important for Beijing and this year was written in
Chinese history in golden letters. This year China was overcome with snowy blizzards.
Followed by earth quates which shook the world. Furthermore, the 100 year dream of
Beijing was realized in this year, china experience the worst snowy blizzard in its history
when southern china and some provieis paralyzed. The area and some provinces.
But the will and confidence of Beijing was worth witnessing. The Chinese president,
Prime Minister and leaders of the communist party provided service to the nation at each
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and every step. They stayed with the affectees and people of related departments and
volunteers cleaned the street all day long and kept repairing the wirses of electricity and
telephone wires. Similarly several people spent the season of spring working. Although
this season and this fact as very important for the Chinese. The Chinese wait and entire
year to meet their parents and eat their traditional meals. The Chinese prime minister also
spent this time of celebration stuck in the snow and with the working people.
Watching this made me very happy that how great is this nation and Chinese prime
minister that they created such rigour amongst themselves and each other. I was quite
impressed with the enthusiasm of the Chinese people then China was busy preparing for
the Beijing Olympics. No change came in the joy and enthusiasm of Beijing The
Government and people united said that “we can do everythings and we will forget all
our sorrows to celebrate and host the Olympics”.
These wounds had not healed yet, that sachoun witness a massive earthquake. This earth
quake left hundreds and thousands, made several children orphans, made uncountable
women widow and caused a damage costing millions of yen. China’s president and prime
minister visited the affected areas. They kept making their visits until rescue and
rehabilitation was not started special centres were established in this regard. The speed
with which these rehabilitation missions were conducted are and example in its own self.
At the same time, preparations for the Beijing Olympics were underway.
The purpose of writing all of this is to lot the readess know how many sacrifices China
made for the Olympic games and what difficulties came their way we took serious
governmental and personal interst in this situation. Since we witnessed Chinese
difficulties with our own eyes, we were lookingat the Beijing Olympics with great respect
and reverence. If the same happened in another country then that country would have
post paned the Olympic games but china never even thought about that.
Beijing, as I mentioned before is an amalgamation of old and new Chinese civilization.
Its hiatus is reflected in the Royal mansions that were created to replect the city’s prime
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ancient Beijing offers gardens and historical monuments. We and the rest of the world
have also witnessed the new culture of Beijing.
Beijing offers a lot of interesting locations for its fourists including the prohibited city,
Tianmew square, temple of Heaven, Baihayai park, Garma palace, great wall of china etc
are included.
The modern areas include parts, plazas and supermarket. Great National Theatre, Zhong
guan sun and the sites for Beijing Olympics which included the bird cage stadium, water
cabe as well. China promised modern scientific and environmental Olympics and fulfilled
its promise to the world. This was appreciated by the entire world. In china traveling is
very easy and you can benefit from all sources of transportation. It is up to you if you
want to walk, take a bus, ride a bicycle or take a taxi, you can use all these resources.
Apart from this there are underground trains called subways. Through subways you can
reach various destinations in the least possible time.
You are provided information about all the bus stops when you land at a particular bus
stop. If a passenger know the Chinese language then traveling is easy. In some buses and
in all subways information is available in the English language.
Where ever you go all sorts of maps are available at the subways, in the roads, and in the
path reserved for pedestrians. Also you will encounter several guides who will offer you
with their services. Beijing is one of the safest in the world and this can been in each and
every location. You will see the place in every nook and corner. The Beijing police is
lelpful and friendly in its attitude but our problems arise due to the language barrier.
Because in order to get alone in china you must speak Chinese.
One thing that is very good about Beijing that offices that deal with everyday life are
open on holidays for example bank, water suppliers, and organizations dealing with
power and energy. Whenever we needed fresh water we would simple go on Sundays and
get it we paid all our bills on Sundays. The doctors staff was ever present on Sundays.
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Shah Tingshaan was the place I lived in and in the same area was a very big hospital.
Where I had the opportunity to go with some Chinese friends. The doctors were good and
provided Chinese with cheap hea the care it was also open on Sundays. The doctors were
good and provided cheep treatment to the Chinese people. I have written about the
Chinese because with the grace of God I have never really fallen ill. Hence I cannot attest
about other foreigners. But whtatever encounter I had with the doctors proved to be a
pleasant one.
It is said the one person’s mistake becomes a menace for everybody. Some unpleasant
incidents took place during the Beijing Olympic games because of which treatment of
foreigner’s in Chinese hospital became prohibited at 2 in the night a friend of mine
brought his wounded child to a Chinese hospital but the doctors asked him to take his son
to a hospital meant for foreigners. Then we headed towards chao yang where there son
was treated.
Our friend Mr. Sattar who was with APP in Beijing encountered similar incidents but he
was never turned down by hospital worters. No one ever asked him to go to another
hospital. This is an altogether different story and I will narrate it when the time comes. I
was closely associated with sattar sahib. I had the longest relation with him. He was my
friend his wife and children were often ill. He needed our help because he was alone and
busy. Aasia used to spend time with his wife in the hospital and spent several night with
her in the hospital.
We were talking about Beijing. The best heath care centres are present in Beijing and the
best health care facilities are provided here.
We have strolled the streets and bazaars of Beijing. I used to get along because I didn’t
know how to speak in Chinese. I gained moral support from my friends and family. I
don’t remember a lot of names but I visited a lot of places. I particular incident comes to
mind when my friends and acquaintences were looking for a restaurant. They wanted me
to try my luck by doing business in Beijing. We kept looking for a restaurant. In my
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reach I discovered a lot of thing. We went to a lot of places. Perhaps it I had not strolled
with my friends I would not have gotten the opportunity to experience what I did one
thing of note the usually and particularly at CIR had two holidays a week. Meaning
Saturday and Sunday. There fore we had two holidays a week. I had time to spend spare
time because my duty lasted from 2.a.m to 10.p.m on my day of duty I used to go out and
stole at around 11.30.p.m. then I would rest at my home and finally I would head for my
office before two o’clock. Kamal followed the same routine hence, we had a lot of time
in our disposal to visit many places.
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Chapter AN AMALGAMATION OF ANCIENT AND MODERN.
(A CITY WHICH IS NEW AND OLD AT THE SOMETIME)
Beijing is not only included in the ancient places of china and the old prohibited city
Thais preserved in its original form. This city is a maze of ancient monuments and palaus
of the kings. This city is not only a patron of ancient china but it sympolizes the glorious
past and royal palaces. Of the country. On the other hand, it is the claimant of communist
and socialist china’s but capital but it is centre of the hopes of the Chinese people.
China and Beijing as I hove stated before were more developed than we expected china
was set down the modern paths of the Chinese communist government. Over a period of
a century china and the Chinese governments have achieved their goals and tasks. Not to
mention the hardship and the struggle it has taken china to achieve its goals. Today’s
Beijing is making this clain most vocifoursly that whatever nations and leaders are
sincere to their country are the ones prosper just like china, this growth and development
is for the world to see. Infact every corner, every particle of china makes this unique
claim.
Under chairman Mao-Tse-Tung the Chinese communist government laid the foundation
and with the guidance of wengehopang the path to reform took off and china as a state
has made tremendous progress whose example has not been witnessed in history. The
claim of on enation, one country, on civilization was proved by the peoples republic of
china. Todays Beijing confesses these realities. The wad at the centre of the city
symbolizes Chinese power, national glory, while on the other side it symbolizes ancient
the centre of ancient china in the form the prohibited city if the Great wall of china.
Furthermore, china’s stepping foot on the moon, exploring larger honizons and taking the
first picture of the moon, is enough to satisfy the arguements made above.
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There is a lot not go into excess details. What has been written is sufficient. The purpose
for all this writing is that when you enter China, you will see everything, all the secrets
will be revealed and you will have to admit that china is truly a land of fairies Beijing’s
life is just like all the new cities. China is developing and in the last 30 years the policy of
liberalization and reform have expanded the life styles of the people.
Due to a sincerce government and head of state the fruit of growth and prosperity has
reaped to the Chinese nation and it is for this very reason most people are well off and
have adopted the western way of life. Their life style is completely western. They make
every effort to adopt the western lifestyle is completely western. They make every effort
to adopt the western lifestyle be it their clothes, their architecture and emulated towards
the west despite of this the Chinese have not abandoned their values and culture.
Today the Chinese way of life is an amalgamation of Chinese and western way o life.
Rather I would say that the Chinese culture is evolving and people are returing to their
ancient values along with the course of prosperity. The fun fares and festivals clearly
disclose that. Because I was in Beijing everything was new to me. Therefore I analyzed
everything and I fried to gather more information tried to make friends as I did not know
the language. I mad I lot of friends but the only thing between myself and my friends was
my language barriers. So I had to use sign language. But whatever people. A part from
my colleagues, the friendship I treasured the most was with tearing. He was my first
friend who did not understand nor speak a single world of Chinese and English. He is still
my best friend and I still receive his telegrams we still hoping and dreaming of reuniting
in Beijing.
So I was telling you about life in Beijing. Beijing is a very busy city and china is the most
populous country in the world it said the one out of every fine people is Chinese. All
these hearts throb for Beijing. Everybody wants to watch Beijing . Beijing is the centre of
Chinese history and culture. Here there is an abundance of historial monuments. These
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monuments are centuries long and fiued with Chinese stories. This is the reason everyone
wants to come and visit these areas.
Hence, you will see so many people on the streets, in subways (underground train…
which is also called metro in European countries) bus stops, that it seems the whole of
china has come out
Life in Beijing is very colourful everyday there is hustle and bustle, bazaars, parks, and
restaurant are filed with people, there are crowds of people in streets and markets.
Whichever park you go to, you see, old people singing and dancing. In the evenings
peoples leave their homes and head for The parts. They play big tape recorders every
evening. They listen to music loud and they all dance in groups and they dance the music
in groups. Hence, they excerase and have fun. They are fresh again. And then holding
each other’s arms they back for their homes. This is the routine in the mornings and in the
evenings. There are up to date markets found in Beijing which are laid with the most
modern facilities. People are in long ques. It is the atmosphere of a festival. All
necessities of life are available in these markets. Here like in Pakistan are markets in open
area where you can buy vegetables etc. yougia shee shia chou men has an open market
where you can find all eatables. We used to buy our laily grocieries from there we made a
lot of friends from visiting this market.
This market also supplies “Halal” food in the beginning I was very cautious in purchasing
eatables. I used to buy only a few items with Aasia and her family, then I found out about
the Halal food problems were solved. Late I started eating more frequently with Aasia
and her family at their restaurant…. Food was not an obstacle for me. On the other hard,
in china not knowing the Chinese language creates a food problem. I saw many people in
CIR and many Arabs who were not careful about eating. We felt lovely in Beijing
Because we were alone. Me and Kamal stralled from market to market, came across an
open markets were antiques were sold. This included dogs, all types of birds, to my
amusement a teddy bear, and the teddy bears children were being sold. There we saw a
26
store of musical instruments as well. Amongst the instrument sold were Arho, Peepa,
flute and guitar. We bought a guitar and we used to play it in our freetime. we also
bought books from this markets. They were also trading swords in the open market. Rare
items such as coins, dagger and other things that were inearthed from china were
available here.
A bought an. Idol mad of which was like a container with three feet and I still own it.
This container represents the beauty of Muslim and Chinese artifacts. My artifact was
quite old and it has Rasool Muhammad’s ( May peace and Blessings of Allah be upon
him ) name beautifully carved.
Life in Beijing is luxurious and comfortable. There are parks and large plazas everywhere
you will not feel bored for even a moment. It has avenues for the Olympics. Where ever
you will go you will see an Ocean of people. You will not be able to differentiate
between a working day or a holiday. Everyday is Eid over here. You will not feel that
you are spending life. These is a friend here thank to keep old big dogs as pets. I used to
think about his aspect. That who do aged people in particular keep pets. The reason was
that there is a concept of small family.
When children are of school or university level, they separate from their parents. Then
jobs are found is various provinces. For which the children have to migrate and the
parents are left alone when they are free from responsibilities, they have no one to talk to
so they keep beds as dogs and take them to parks. And then their pets become their
friends.
In Beijing the youth go to work, children go to school, the old and aged go to parts or
markets for purchasing goods. I also liked to sometimes go every morning to the park
behind the mountain Youngla Shee Shia who Chou and enjoyed myself. I really like
these people. Shing Gaishaan mosque contains a building for the old. Likewise, in China
various buildings and centres have been made in various locations. Whee the old and
aged are treated well.
27
I was told by naveed that a female student goes to old age centres to help the poor. She
did this every Sunday one day when she didn’t go the leader of the communist party
noted that The leader was under the belief that she was a worker there. One day when he
visited the centre he was amazed at her not being their and discussed the reason for her
absenteeism the old people there told him that she was not a worker but a volunteer she
comes to the centre on her own will and passion and bathes the old persons and tidies
them up. The leader liked this and had her summoned her that when you are free from
your education. Please come and see me when the women finished her education, she got
a government job first.
It is said in china that the populatin of man is greater than women’s. But this statistic only
suits the urban areas. Because in rural area woman and considerably of larger quantity.
The reason for this is in china there is a law of one child family. Therefore, women wanty
baby boys instead of girls an seek the care of hospitals and doctors. If they are expecting
a doctor, then They abort the child And if the baby is a boy, the give birlh to this why in
cities like Beijing and Shahghai women are considerably lesser as compared to men. But
in villages and towns the situation is different. In china boys are considered belter than
girls. But this does not mean that women are disliked in Chinese society. In china men
and women work shoulder to shoulder wilk men. It just so happens that the husband
works in one province and the wife works in another provinces they meet each other
during the holidays.southern china in famous for its female beauty. In this regard hanghor
and songhou are ahead of all provinces. One day while conversation in the office leo shad
khouway said that the beauty of southern china has no match I asked “how is that ? he
said”. You see Deng Dong and madam Tahira, they are from southern china, this is why
are beautiful.
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PEOPLE AT THE OFFICE
CIR is a big institution and a lot of people work here. I nether know these people well nor
I can I write about them. With whenever I socialized with brief is enough content to fill
another book. Hence, I will confine myself to the Urdu department. I will speak of the
people I worked with or with whom I had relations with. Persons whose Chinese names I
know or remember I have allocated in brackets.
The ladies and gentlemen who work in the Urdu department are as follows.
1. Madam Mehwish ( Xao Chepao)
Incharge (Chairman Urdu Department)
2. Madam Tahira (Yeh Feng)
(Vice chairman Urdu Department)
3. Madam Zehra (Deng Dong)
4. Madam Musarrat (Wang Chipan Thaing)
5. Madam Saleema.
6. Mr. Leo Chao Khowey.
7. Mr. Shaheen (Chen Chiavs)
8. Mr. Sarfraz (Woping Fae)
9. Mr. Faraz
10. Mr. Tahir
11. Mr. Mohammad Jamil AL Rahman.
12. Mr. Professor Lou (Lou Choweylin)
13. Madam Razia ( Soun Lian Mai)
14. Madam Shaheena
15. Madam Tong
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16. Madam Naseem.
1) Mehwish (Xao Chepao):-
Madam Mehwish was a sober, intelligent, quiet, sympalthefic hardworking
and patriotic woman. She loved Pakistan along with her own country. She
had also spent a lot of time in Pakistan. She did her work with passion and
concentration. He next best attribute was her good memory because once
she remembered a small trivial thing. She driessed simply.
Whenever she had to say something she would explain it very deeply and
she made sure the other party heard and under stood her. And there is no
confusion left. If she refused something said or if the addresses spoke
something with which she disaread, she was always polite and cordial. She
never overtly disagreed with someone, and never made anybody sorry. She
always expalinged her stance. She spoke very briefly. She always
encoyraged her team.
Because I was related to her directly. Hence, she was my boss. We always
interacted with each other. She was a pleasent and well mannered woman.
She remembered my birthday.she reminded me about it. And my birthday
was celebrated at a nealy restaurant. All our friends participated and I will
remember that function forever.
2) Tahira (Yeh Fung):-
Tahira was vice chairman of the Urdu Department. She had a proportionate
height she was well dressed, delicate, and jolly woman. Her face always
had a smile. She did her work in a mannerly way. She knew her work well.
She met everyone with a smile and worked with a smile throughout her
face. She was happy and mischevious. He rqualitios enhances her forever
youth. She spoke in a very interesting and hearfelt manner. She surrounded
the office with her colourful personality.
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In the beginning me both arranged “Mehfil-e-program” on CIR. Because
she was busy, hence it was I who reurded the program. The program had a
great listenership. Tahira way of speech was very pleasant and friendly.
There was a tinge of excitement in the program as well. This did not allow
the program to become boring she also made sure what. The program had
different variations.\
3) Zehra (deng dong):-
Zehra use to work on the set behind me. She was beautiful. Good looking
and young. She always tried to be different from other people. She tried to
include individuality in the clothes she wore. She was attractive we used to
meet outside the office, at the canteen or at the gateway to the office. She
was seen with her fiancé and had fun with him. I must claim she close a
good man. He used to work at the German dept. Zehra and her fiancé
married when he was transferred to Germany Deng Dong always had a lot
of (impulsiveness)
Once we were getting ready for a tour of Woh Cheng Woh Cheng is a part
of Tiangen and is a new industrialist city. The govt. of china is consistently
working on this city. We not only went sightseeing at Woh Ceng but we
had to make programs as well. Zehra was told we were going to Woh
Cheng for work, so she called me a day before that “Mr. we are going in
work. This trip was not for pleasure”. She was correct but if she had said
that we would sight see and work at the same time. Then it would have
sounded belter. Similarly, other incidents took place in which I realized her
impulsive personality. Sometimes one should be serious and fore sighted.
Anyhow, Zehra was a very cooperative woman Zehra did translation well.
She put in a lot of effort on the days she had to translate an her translation
was good. Whereas in other translation, hurry was more visible. But still
there was scope to learn more. She has a bright future one day Zehra called
me and said, “ I am waiting please come so me can record a program”. I
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had traneled a great distance. It was a Sunday. I and Kamal lomsaa went on
a trip. The moment I received her phone, I canceled my trip and arrived at
the office. When I came to the office no one was there Faraz, I mean Tahir,
and someone else, had done the according with out me Zehra herself left.
She didn’t even wait for me.
4) Musarrat (Wang Chipan Thiang):-
Tail, extremely civilized, respectful, and relaxed speech were her main
attributes. She had a dark wheatish complex, and she had a dimple on one
check which made her smile even more beautiful. She was only dedicated
to her work and respected everyone. She did her work with a lot of effort
and concentration. She did her work in silence and wouldn’t her a sound
from her when she would be working. She was a good translator. She was a
very responsible person. Perhaps it was because of these qualities chat after
naseem, she was sent as a representative to Pakistan. It isrit necessary that
these qualities make someone special. It could be my spinion.
CIR is a big institute that has a unique way of functioning. Musarrat one
day took we to a hospital. She accompanied me to make a medical report
when I first came to Beijing. She was put under duty by Madam Mehwish,
so she could help me. And be a representative between the doctor and I
Musarrat was a very sincere woman. She and Zehra came together to CIR I
believe at the same time. And now they are on the path to progress.
5) Madam Saleema:-
She is a beautiful woman. We had abrief interaction on my first day at the
office. We later went to a canteen together. We were also accompanied by
madam Musarrat and madam Saleema and we spoke a lot about food.
Lateor on she got married and sehe went on a holiday for osmedays. She
then had a son, for which she took a long maternity lave. She did her work
with passion she took great interest in flowers and plants she kept beautiful
plants on her desk. This shows he sense of beauty.
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6) Madam Naseem:-
I met madam Naseem in Islamabad. Young, beautiful, good conversationist
were some of her attributes. Naseem was lard working and did her own
work. I had little interaction with her.
Sometimes we met on the internet. Her report were often transmitted. Her
reports and her interaction with Pakistanis was good. When I was leaving
china, she gave me and Naveed a party and a person representing the
English department is representative Zhag was also invited.
When I came back to Pakistan, I could not find time. Because of the events
her and there were problems in our meeting each other. I went to my village
when I came back and called her she had left for china.
7) Mr. Shaheen (Chen xiang):-
Shaheen and I met for the first time at china radio international during an
interview Shaheen was good looking fair complexioned, round and fresh
food, straight Chinese hair, he had a proportionate height and smart curvy
figure.
His speech was very clear, correct and friendly. His positive easily. Hence,
he made a lot of friends and everyone liked him shaheed loves Pakistan
tremendously which is an evidence of Pak china relations.
We become frank because we kept meeting each other. Shaheen’s Urdu
was very good. He used to understand things very quickly. Shaheen is a
good in fact best representative 8 his country one day Pakistan an basal or
masood khan came to CIR. He had to meel the head of CIR when one sat
down, Mr. Masoud khan asked the language we had to conversate in
I replied that we would speak in Urdu. Because the Chinese will speak in the
national language. Hence are wills need translators for both sides. Hence Shaheen paid
from services from Urdu to Chinese and from Chinese to Urdu, translation. I realized that
33
Shaheen Knew and understand Urdu well, because Mr. masoud Khan spoke very good
Urdu and Shaheed translated it. With tremendous ease. Likewise she translated from
Chinese to Urdu without fumbling and stoppages which are the sign of a good translator.
Apart from this shaheen worked very hard. He was a very co-operative man
whenever I needed som thing, I would simply call him and he would he was always
pleased to help me.
Shaheen gave very good information on culture. It I ever asked him on the subject,
he would gather information on the internet and tell me about it. He spent a great amount
of time preparing the report.
In urdu one made our report then and there. But shaheed and transmitted made his
reports in the Chinese language with in the space oof a day. If I wrote or said some Urdu
or if me took an interview and transcribed it into Chinese. He did all this work when me
finished our reporting which sometimes lasted till 2 at the night. He would wake up early
in the morning and tell me to get ready. He helped me out in every way. Shaheen was a
jolly person and a speaker. We wish him the best progress in life I will forver treasure
the time I spent with shaheen
7. Mr. Leo chao Khowey Mr. Leo chao Khoweys Lody
was ltin and his complexion was dark. He was pleasant and always involved in his
work. He came to office early in the morning and leave his office late. He came to office
early in the morning and leave his office late. He a simple and sincere man. I did the
program “CIR Kee Mehfil” for one year with him. Throughout this experience I found
him as a man sincere forwards his work. He used to answere all the lecters. He used to
record interviews of people I learnt a lot from deo sho khwey. As a matter of fact all the
workers in the Urdu department are my frinds. But deo told me a lot of Chinese
communism, cultural revo lution, chine’s religions and other cultural life. Sometimes I
would ask him a range of questions. And he always answered in a pleasant ad detailed
manner . I really respected him. One unintentional mistake would come from my part that
34
I always interrupted his rest. The situation was such that his house was for away and he
slept at his office during the afternoon break. And I always used to wake his away for
which I was very sorry but alas there was no other choice…… I hope he forgives my
unintentional mistake.
Deo always spoke gradually, and he listened gradually as well. He made sure
people spoke gradually to him, so he could understand them he had a command on
Chinese sense of humans. He appreciated pretense. His knowledge had a wide horizon
we used to have dialogues on various departments of knowledge.
8. Mr. Sarfraz (Woping Fae) .
The first person I met at Beijing airport was Sarfraz. Sarfaraz was young and he
was in CIR for nearly a year. He spoke Urdu with difficulty. Because he did not study
Urdu at his University Anyhow he learnt Urdu quickly sarfraz was a very hard working
young man. I have seen him work hard day and night. Sarfraz even now is a young main,
clear complexion, broad paced individual. He was not very tall by height. But he was not
short either. He speaks in strides. He is dressed and is often seen in good attire.
When I could not speak with him further, I turned to spaking in English. The
speed with which he learnit Urdu was impressive.
Whenever he worked with me or had to go somewhere, he would call Mehwish
and ask for her permission. He did everything by the bossis permission and also kept the
boss well informed. This attribute perhaps is only in china found.
The Chinese are respectful towards their boss and don’t. ask any question. I
remember a book by Rudyard kipplings “Junble Book”. In which discipline and wisdom
have been explained. In that take it is explained that whatever nation do not use wisdom
are always slaves of other nation. The example is in present for example in Asia. The
Chinese people have understood this seuet. This basic fact has also been explained by
35
Confucius that wisdom and respect of leaders leads to unified progress and discipline
takes you to the road to success.
As a Nation, Chinese have this is common that they are loyal to their emperor and
obey them Sarfraz was my student but I learnt a lot from him. Madam Mehsish had
instructed Sarfraz to speak to me in Urdu, speak urdu in returns. She also instructed me to
give him work in Urdu so he can be fluent in Urdu and start speaking the language. For
this reason I used to give Sarfaraz assignment on life and history. Sarfraz used to write
these assignment and then narrate them to me this interaction not only improved their
Urdu but I enabled him able to express his views and chose the correct words. These
people at CIR worked very hard. No, I introduce your to my second student Faraz.
9. Faraz: Faraz was a young man ____________ like sarfraz. Both enrolled together at
CIR. Faraz was a sensitive, hardworking young man. He was also my student and we
learnt a lot from each other. He is a capable boy. He not only engaged himself in office
work but he participated in other activities as well. This is why he was accepted in the
office. He was appreciated by everyone at CIR.
Faraz was a tall, smart and disciplined young man. He was dark complexioned and
thin.
One day Faraz come to my house and took me to bada Chou (B means eight
places). It was Sunday and I really liked the trip. We took our water with us. We arrived
at our staff by bus. There was a chairlift to take us upwards. Also we could cover the
same route on foot we choose to like by foot. We saw all these ancient places.
There were great idols of Buddah and the Buddhists were prostrating infornt of
those idols. We visited all eight place. The area was in the centre of mountains and was a
very relaxing place. Buddhists choose such places to pray and concentrate. We went to
the peak of the mountain, and come down slowly through the told other path, when I
came back and kamal about my visit; Kamal told me he had visited the place. And then
36
he recorded a program” china” through my own eyes” (Cheen Meir Nazar Main)and as
ked me to speak about my experiences. Kamal used to do this program all by himself.
Faraz was the first person who one day invited me to visit the mosque is Neojeepa.
He also promised me to have a meal with khawi Muslims. He explained the route to
Neojecpa though bus and subway we traveled Neojea at length. There I saw a museum in
which the traditional dress and useful items of use were on display. I really liked that
place.
I would like to state that these youth have a lot of potential and they are the future
of cina. The above mentioned Faraz and Sarfraz had to come to china. I was waiting for
their arrival in china when I arrived I saw them translate news. Moreover, I wish they
would have become better.
10. Tahir: He was a newly included young man and he was very hard working. He spoke
little and always looked busy. When you look a this work, his work speaks successs. This
resulted in him joining us in little time. The results of his work were confident. He was a
very obedient young man. It I was ever in trouble I would call him and he was always
ready to help me. He respected all his colleagues and understood things easily. If I gave
him work and taught it to him, he would learn it. At once, and never made a mistake
11. Muhammad Jamil Al Rehman:
He was a new inclusion at ICR and was very hard working worker. He dressed
simply. He was a live and let five sort of a person, his quality was that either he answered
your question or he stayed quite. He was never lazy at work. He became involvened in
daily work. I hope he is working successful in china.
12. Professor Lou (Lou Chaway Lin):
I heard about professor Lou in Pakistan and I was very fond of meeting him. One
day I had an opportunity to discuss history with Naseem and she made a reference to
37
professor Lou and told me that the professor had written several books about it because
he is an author. His name was often mentioned in educated circles.
When I arrived in Bevjing I become even more fond about meeting him.
Everybody good words for him. And so, one day we not. When I saw him I gassed that
this must be professor Lou. Whe I spake to him I realized how knowledge able he was.
And people who mentioned him in China were also knowledgeable. This made me a
bigger fan of his. Professor Lou was above 60 old. He had retried from service. But still
his services were requested. He had translated book in many languages but was working
o even more books.
Professor Lou was a very humble man he thought deeply before he spoke. He
listened to the other person carefully. He had also studied history in great depth
especially on the Northern Areas in Pakistan. He had also worked considerably on the
Chinese Urdu dictionary. His services cannot be ignored the Urdu service used to consult
him before every thing. His knowledge on Pakistan is tremendous. He had a keen eye on
politics and current affairs in Pakistan. He was foresighted and intuitive person.
13. Madam razia (Madam Soun Lian Mai):
Madam Razia (Madam Soung) was a very social women with tremendous aura she
had been the chairman of eh Urdu department and had also served in China. She had paid
great services to the Urdu Department. He success of here programs she always
appreciated new programs.
She always wanted a new program to be launched and made popular. Hence, she
always appreciated new corners. As long as I was there, I saw here build confidence and
guide Sarfraz and faraz. He paid them a lot of attention. She greatly appreciated the living
of the Urdu language.
She paid a lot of attention to a languages grammar. She was very friendly. She
treated everyone with consideration. Whenever she came to her office, she brought
38
something to eat as well she made sure that we also got a share. She treated all of us with
great love and here translation was accurate and tremendous. She translated excepts with
great speed she used easy, fluent and language.
14. Madam Shaheena:
Shaheena had also retired from service but still CRI acquired here services. The
most beautiful tradition is this institution is that people don’t forget their loved ones. And
they keep them occupied even after retirement. Hence, both pasties benefit from this
Madam Shaheena had stayed in Pakistan and remembered the country.
Shaheena had a very dignified personality. She always smiled. She always asked
how other people were she spoke in a very beautiful way. In CIR particularly ordinary
Chinese who had retired from service or near retirement are greatly respected and
reveared when they speak to you there are dignified and sweet and they give the speaker
importance and concentration.
Shaheena was a very good woman we used to joke thought . she would to site at
my desk and I often utilized here services. She also helped me during work. I never saw a
frain on her eyebrows. She was a very hardworking woman. She made my day when she
came to work ……..may god keep them always happy.
15. Madam Tong:
Madam Tong had service, she occasionally came to work. In my ending days in
china she excused herself and wanted to rest. Here translation was without question, she
was a very capable woman and had great command on her language. She was hardly
talkative she came to work and then leave when her work ended she hardly participated is
over dinners or celebrations whereas Shaheena was a great participator.
39
FRIEND AND LOVED ONES
I made few friends and loved ones but once I included people amongst friends and
relatives, I had good relations with them. Like I first mentioned my first friends was
Chinese. He under stood Chinese and no other language. He was our severity officer at
young.
Let me tell you that in China every building has a guard. There is a guard kept in
every residential place at the path of entrance. This was the guard kept in every
residential place pat the path of entrance. This was the guard kept an eye on everyone .
the home or in other words apartment I rented was namred youngla Xi xi ao qu 58. The
security officer of that building was Geong. He became my friend. He had neither of
average height nor was he tall. I used to talk to him mornings and evenings. We tiled
through sign language. Also I started learning Chinese from him and in this way I stated
to learn considerable Chinese and I lived life consciously.
The person who became my friends after Geong was Nepali. His name was kamal
Lamsaal and he worked in the Nepalese service. Kamal was a good friend of mine but we
stayed together for six months after wards he worked for five years and left for Nepal
Kamal and me spoke in Urdu there for we understood each other some after my arrival,
Kamal rented a flat and so we both started living in the same flat. His flat was on the
fourth floor and mine was on the sixth floor. We had enough time to roam about because
we were alone and we made complete use of our loneliness.
Kamal had stayed in Beijing for four and a half years. His wife also stayed with
him but domestic problems led to her learning for Nepal and Kamal was left alorte in
Beijing we did not have a hard time touring Beijing because Kamal had seen Beijing
quite a lot. Kamal Lamsaal was a patriotic and well mannered man. He did his work with
a lot of effort. He want to stay in Beijing until the Olympics but that was never the case.
40
He had been in Beijing for almost 5 years and CRI has a five year period on work yes,
but one can work again after returing from their homeland. Kamal also knew the Chinese
language. His Chinese was not so good but we got alone. I used to envy him, that he
knew the native language and could speak with local people I was also trying to learn the
native language.
Khushhal tayyab was an Afghan who worked in the Pushto service one day I said
to my Chinese frinds that I want to speak to the workers in the Pushto service Tayyab
went with me and introduced me to the People there Khushhaal tayyab was a good
human being. He was average height, a little but over weight and spoke steadily. We
became very good friends, however our friend ship could not evolve. But we sympathies
with each other and met each other frequently. We use to go out together for strolls and
walks. And particularly on Fridays we would pray the Juma Prayer together. Khushhal
Tayyab arranged a Chinese tutor for me but this could only last a few classes the teacher
was very punctual on holidays to collect her salary, and completely unpunctual otherwise.
Our classes could last only 2 or 4 days our relationship with the Tamil Service and its
Indian claitus and mutual friends was very formal we never gave them enough room
because claitus was high in age but somes acted child like.
My relationship with hindi service Maestro Rakesh only lasted till hello high and
we ranely met each other.
But I did a lot of chatting with the Persian service or even those who remotely
spoke Persian. They were less talkative and broad minded they were eager to serve
people. But we could formulate a relationship with them that could allow us on outingds.
However, whenever the met they were pleasant. They were short with a clear wheatish
complexion and always thought about like philosophers. They were from Tehran.
Ahmed used to work in the Arabic service very liberal, chally and a master of
whatever he did but he thought little about when he spoke. He was always on the
campaign that people consider him liberal minded. He was also short in height and figure
41
red and fair complexioned, age approximately between 55 or 60 years. He was from
Egypt. When it came time for him to leave, he stared talking.
One day Nageeb Ullah asked me what has gone wrong with him perhaps
hopelessness or old age. Whatever the reason, he was becoming weak minded.
The Agha the Turkish service. Whose name we often forget they are still incurring
the same problems. They are long, fat and fresh. His wife was from Norway. They were
very eager for conversation and his speech had weight. He knew little about Islam. He
was a nationalist and respected everyone. He always argued with me about religion. He
liked gathering information.
Abbas Razh also worked in the Arabic department. He was from Iraq he was very
social spoke lovingly, inclined towards religion and cautious person.
I really enjoyed talking to him. Kamal also liked him. Our relationship was good
and we always had a chat when eating probably the Shenkhwa also gave him work. This
is why he left CIR to work with them.
Salahuddin worked in the Bengali department. He used to talk a lot. He had been
at CIR for ages. He hair was long he was tall, frail and dark. He often met us during duty
and we had quite a conversation.
Qomiat was a Bengali. He burnt a cigarette with another . he was always worried.
He was of average height and avoided falking to us. He left after completing one year.
Mr. Ayaz Also came in to the Pushto service we became very good friends and
often met each other. He was left alone after Khushhal Tayyab when he got his second
partner, he left for Afghanistan. Ayaz by the way, was also a martial Arts expert and a
black belt. But when Nageeb Ullah came into the Pushto service he went back to his
country other them the ones just mentioned. I had several friends who come from various
countries we often met each other.
42
China Radio International is of repute all over the world. People from all
nationalities work here people from different cultures, traditions and languages work here
CIR is like a bought of colorful flowers and they keep the atmosphere fragnant with their
beautiful fragnance. It is a small world where you find people who speak various
languages under one root. All these people are experts in their fields, educated,
sophisticated, and cultured. This is such a world where you find all the cultures in the
world. You can have a conversation with these individuals.
I have collected my share of the fragrance from this bouqet flowers and make my
mind was enlightened and my thoughts reached new horizons compared whatever I saw
there with my own county. I compared their positive and negative attributes with mine. I
realized my weak point which is very important are the friends I made and they were
people and were the members of Mua family.
I will always take pride in my frinds. This family is the reason I learnt chiese
culture. Asia Moa, her mother Fatima, Father Muhammad, Brother and relatives. Apart
from this. I went to moussa’s hose met his parents of the met. This way I learnt a lot
about Chinese Muslims.
Aasias brothers became my frinds. In their household only Aasia could understand
English. Hence it was natural for over relations to strengther. Ayesha and her family were
from the sunni set, and from the Hanafi figh. Chinese Muslims are strong in faith. Aasia
did not know Arabic but she read the clines translation of the Holy Quran she prayed five
times a day. She stayed away from all that was “Haraam”. She helped me a lot. I got to
know a lot about Chinese cuisme from her she taught me the difference between Halal
and Haram. She also cooked very well. She wanted to do business. She was searching a
location in Beijing for her business. That is why I used to stroll with here in my free time
and got to know the city of Beijing she already had a business in Tianjin but was not very
successful.
43
There fore she wanted to and her existing business and open aresturant in Beijing.
One day she said to me “I Have very little money”. I introduced here to Masoud Sattar.
Masoud Sattar was an APP respresentative in Beijing. Mr. Sattar because of his
good relations with me decided to help \Aasia and gave here 10,000 Yuan as delst. But he
asked here to set up a restaurant at a nearby place and it happened so, Aasia bought a
resturaact at a location chosen by Mr. and Mrs. Sattar Aasia’s family moved from Tianjin
to mearby my house and hence our relations became better Aasia had two brothers, one
sister, two nephewer, one nieces. Her sister had two children, a son and a daughter. The
Mua family visited my house and I sometimes visited theirs. Infact, Aasia’s mother called
me her third son. And truly she has served, and loved me more than her two sons.
Whenever Aasia needed help, she looked towards Masoud Sattar and whenever
Mrs. Sattar Sought help, I came to her service similarly, when Bilal became Sick, Aasia
came to the Hospital to help him, and stayed with him Anyhow, Aasia’s restaurant could
not run well and Aasia sold it off after a year. By the time I went to America Aasia had
sold her restaurant, and when I returned to Beijing from Seattle, Aasia took me to Mr.
Sattar’s that she would pay the rest of the money when she recieveds further income.
Aasia promised that she will pay the rest of the income within days. It was during this
time that I returned to Pakistan Aasia was going to the get income the people she was
going to receive from were inturn getting it from the bank. This circulation of money was
going to take time.
One day I was in the hospital with my father that I recived Madam Mehwish’s
phone. She said, “Return Masoud’s amount back to him”. That day I felt grieved that this
man showed confidence of one Lakh but coult not patience for a meager amount. The
same day I contacted Aasia. She told me she received the amount and will deliver it in
Two days. When she went to deliver it, masoud had no time to see her. Anyway, he
received his money back. And that was the end of it.
44
There was also my friend Mousa who belonged to Burma (Myanmar). He was the
Egyptian ambassadors cook. He was a very good person. He had few friends. The reason
for our friendship was Islam we used to meet in Xaboaki mosque. His father was from
India, which was the reason for his fluent Urdu.
I told them before I left for the America that I will go to Pakistan in two months.
He got upset and said “I will be left alone” I replied, “God knows better what will happen
tomorrow you are also leaving” the next when I came home, mousa was in my house. He
told me that he was leaving for Burma. I said to him “you are a strange man yesterday
you were protesting to me on being left alone and now you are doing the same.
His responses was that his service had terminated another ambassador has taken
post and he doesn’t require his services two days later I left him at the airport. This is life.
And there was Mousa Chainghai who I met in Beijing. He was the friend of a
family and shyan had sent him to us Mousa stayed with us a few days, then left. When I
went to Chinghai, I went visited Mousa’s place. His house looked like any house in
Pakistan. I felt as it I was in my own house there was a cow and goat in his house.
I used to eat at his place. I spoke to his parents for quite some time I still
communicate with them through SMS. May god given them happiness Amen.
45
THE PAKISTANI EMBASSY IN BEIJING
An embassy is a ray of light for its people who are amidst strangers. This is the
place where you can meet your patriots. An embassy is established not only to increase
relations with a particular country but it also ensures the service and the rights of its
people.
The Pakistani embassy in Beijing is located in district Chaoxang. One quality of
this place is that there is a school situated in its area. The school gives both modern
educations. Whoever made this school had tremendous foresight. But later ones who had
authority of this school did no significant work for its progress. Recently, Mr. Masoud
Khan started taking interest in this school there is also a mosque situated in ths area.
It is said that China out of its friendship to Pakistan extended a large chunck of
land to build its embassy yet. It is still barren a lot of benefit can be gathered from this
land. I was told that this land was very value and it can earn great value if used for trade
but this land is not given any attention. It has never been given importance. If nothing, it
could act as a shelter for Pakistani residents and a lot of money can be saved by doing
this. Because a lot of workers of the embassy rent residences on huge rent and waste
national wealth. One responsible officer told me this about this land.
“Because I am associated with radio and in China I was affiliated with CRI. Hence
I my comings and goings in the embassy were a must. There you must meet a lot of
people. If I represented my institution on one hand, then I got to know about the
happenings in my country. And this was the place where I met my compatriots which
calmed my heart and also because I found my friends here. If someone from the Pakistani
delegation came then one got to know and interview them.
Sometimes the Pakistani ambassador in Beijing used to meet the Pakistani
community and gathered their thoughts. He made an effort to get these problems solved.
46
Because Mr. Masoud Khan was affiliated with Radio Pakistan and he was familiar with
mass communication and the importance of the media. He often met with journalists and
called upon us. In this way, we got an opportunity to serve our country.
In china there is a beautiful mosque inside Radio Pakistan in which Friday prayers
are said regularly. An Imam has been asked to serve the mosque. The Eid Prayers are also
said regularly. Because in Shenyang and particularly where the embassy is situated, there
are no mosques therefore, nationals from various country come and pray in this mosque.
Also, the Pakistani residents in Beijing also come here to say Friday prayers. Meaning
gather blessings and virtue in brotherhood.
Other than that meetings with Sattar sahib used to take place here. In the embassy
we often met press counselor Iftikhar Raja Mr. Raja had a happy go lucky personality and
he knew his work well. He used to seriously look often the Pakistani officials who came
to Beijing. He had good relations with the people in mass communication. He used to
invite them for dinners I often got to know about these dinners by the journalists that
were invited. I sometimes discovered. About these dinner from CRI representatives and
Mr. Sattar got news from newspaper reporters. Mr. Raja really served his country and
that is perhaps the reason for his extended tour in china.
One day my Chinese friends asked for English literature on Pakistan for this we
went to all Chinese book stores but couldn’t find any English literature on Pakistan. So
much so that we gathered no moss at shenkhwa book store and friend ship book store
then one day my Chinese frinds visited our embassy to say their Friday prayers. I
requested the officers at the embassy that I would be very grateful to this provides
touristy or advertisement material or any brochure or written material on Pakistan. Upon
my request he extended brochures that were useless but good we thanked them because
my friends were very pleased as they wanted to visit Pakistan as tourists. But when
iftikhar Raja saw all this he was very irritated as to why those brouchures were extended
without his permission. I said to Raja Sahib, “this poor man has nothing to do with it. I
47
am responsible because I asked” so Mr. Raja excused himself. But I did not like this
incident.
One day on one of the meetings with the Paistani community Mr. Masoud Khan
asked: “what should be done to
1. Improve pakistans image.
2. Increase tourism in Pakistan.
I said that there is no literature available on Pakistan in Chinese book stores.
Whereas other than book stores, where as other than books, maps history and brochures
are available on Nepal and Afghanistan. I mentioned those two countries because they
were small and were Pakistan’s neighbors, but were not developed comparatively infect
there was literature on all countries. If anything we could not find was literature on our
own country. Mr. Masoud said that we will pay attention to this subject what I don’t
know is if the embassy and the related departments or any department concerned with
tourism did anything in this respect.
On the other hand, special days such as Pakistan day, independence day and other
special moments were celebrated in the embassy, in Beijing the amount of Pakistanis is
less. But they all meet each other these functions when minister of trade and commerce
minister sardar amen was appointed, we used to have meetings with him Mr. Sardar
Ameen was a very good worker and used to pay attention to his work. I also met the
subordinates of Tariq and Altaf who were working under Iftikhar Raja when Mr. Masoud
Khan arrived in Beijin g he enhanced cultural activities. He held an exhibition of Pakistan
cuisine. An exhibition was also held for the affects of Swat Operation the entire encome
from this exhibition was allocated to the IDP’s in Swat valley. My Chinese frinds also
participated and they gave a lot of Money as charity for our IDP’s
The embassy went into motion with the arrival of Mr. Masoud Khan and the
activities in the embassy increased. He paid attention to these activates because he was
confident about his relationship with the media. Hence, he decided to serve his country.
48
Mr. Masoud Khan is a perceptive person and he knows the mettle of every main. Most of
Mr. Masoud Khan’s news distributed to Masoud Sattars newspaper “Ameen” And he
brought sattar to his house several times to guide him about the news and know about the
activities in the media.
Sometimes delegations from Pakistan would come and we would record and
transmit these interviews one day I received a call from press counselor iftikhar Raja that
Radio Pakistan has appointed a new director General.
Then the head of CRI Invited the director General of Radio Pakistan to china we
were also invited to that meeting. The conversation took plage in a very pleasant
atmosphere after that Mr. Murtaza soling a gain visited Radio Pakistan after his first
memorable meeting.
49
THE MOSQUES IN CHINA
Whenever a Muslim travels in foreign land he faces two particular problems. First
where is the direction of the Qibla and Second find out a mosque where followers can
pray together? When I reached Beijing I experienced the same problems consulted my
guide who I have mentioned earlier in my book. He later became may partner, we worked
together and he also became my student. I asked Mr. Sarfraz (who) what was the
direction of the west where the sun sets. He gave me tremendous guidance. I wanted to
know the direction of the Qibla and thank Allah who has given us his blessings. Anyhow
another expert of the Pushto service Khushkaal Tayyab gave me his guidance and took
me to shay Jaingshian mosque for Friday prayers.
Islam reached china through preachers and traders. They took the consent of Kings
to construct mosques and madrasaas. It is said that one day the king required the help of a
translator for a conquest. An Imam in the city of Shyan offered his services. The king
porche won his conquest and was pleased with the services of the Imam, and as a result
of his services, the mosque of Shyan was rebuilt and decorated so the Imam who name
was Hasan’s services could be acknowledged this xoungkhaw struggler straggled
forwards the western seas.
We were talking about the Mosques in china. A friend of mine; gave me a
broachure which men tioned a mosque in Guango- Aasia gave me a brochure which
mentioned a mosque in Guango a (partner of the Propher) Sahaba Abul Aas (Razi Allahu
tallah Anhu) came here and preached Islam. His tomb (Rozae Mubarak) is situated here,
and a beautiful mosque is made in his name which is visited by people I wanted to go
there but ran out of time. If life is faith ful then I will definetly go there again.
Living is Beijing I found out that there were several mosques there. There is a
significant amout of Muslims in china and some provinces have a majority population of
50
Muslims. It is said that when the Arabs came and web the locals a new generation the
mua generation came into being anyway, whatever the reason, I believe that the mua are
Chinese and the Chinese are Laasil.
In other provinces Chinese Muslims are the second largest in Population. And
wherever Muslims are located, mosques are there. The Neojea Mosque is a very
important mosque in history. It is wide, spacious and beautiful this mosque is the shining
amalga mation of Chinese and Muslim art the second attribute I saw in Chinese mosques,
that they are not only mosques, but it is a complete of buildings where there a madaris,
offices of the Imam, rooms for people to exchange thoughts, book stores, abulution and
bathing places are arranged.
The Mosques are very unique and fine in their architecture. The rules of the rules
of the mosques are adhered here. This is the condition of all the mosques. Neojea Mosque
is very beautiful. There is a separate place for women to play. And women are
completely separated (Pardah) from men.
As I Mentioned that when I first went to shanghian Mosque to pray, there was a
separate room for women to pray. This mosque is quite distanced from CRI. It took about
30 or 40 hours. There are other mosques in china i.e. Khaidian and Yaboqi. There is also
a mosque inside the Pakistan embassy where people residing nearby come to pray and the
Pakistani people come here especially for Friday prayers and meet with each other
The Pakistani embassy in quite for away from Baboshan and it takes an hour and a
half or two hours to reach their Hence, I rarely went there as I had to do my duty. After
Beijing when I went to see shanhghai, I saw a lot of mosques there. In these mosque
Chinese their. In these mosque Chinese architecture and Islamic architecture are truly
analgainted. I saw the mosques at Menxha from here when I went to shanyan I was
impressed by the atmosphere thee. It was afternoon when I reached the Shanyang
Mosque. I saw people entering the Mosques in ques. They were weaking Black sherwani
and white caps. In china I saw the mosques were aboded with people and a lot of People
51
head for the Mosque to pray. I made a lot of frinds who were Muslims, mostly, be longed
to Ghansu, Menxha, Langu, Shiajiang.
One thing that is worth thinking, that the Chinese people are very and very sincere
and simple and they trust almost anyone. They are not hypocrites. Chinese people are
loving people. All Chinese have religious freedom and can pray anywhere without
restriction. A great challenge facing the Chinese Muslims is their next generation and
their future. The Chinese Muslims are not really economic troubles.
Yes the Chinese population is large and the economic resources are limited but
due to love for their religion, these mosques are beautiful yet, the youth are so perplexed
in financial and educational problem that they hardly witness the mosques.
There are a lot of mosques in crona and in all those please were Muslim are
located, Mosques are situated. Mosques are located in all areas where Muslims are
situated.
In Beijing there are Muslim Mohallas whre Muslims live as a community.
Forexample Neojeeba is surrounded by Khawey Muslims. There is a street named after
them there which is a symbol of Khawey and Muslim nationalism. There is a big market
there in which all the basic necessities of life are available all restaurants in their area are
owned by Muslims. There is an abundance of halal food. And you can eat with your eyes
closed similarly, there is the mosque of Shajung Shan here there is a Muslim Mohalla and
majority of people are Muslims. These Muslims are social and sweet people. You are
delighted to meet them. Yabawa is also an area where there Muslim population is
scattered Halal food and Halal restaurants are situated.
I went to Shenyang, Mankhaw, sheean Jahan and saw Muslim Communities and
the same lifestyle there. People sacrifice animals here as well they also go for Haj. A lot
of people gather to pray in the mosques here.
52
CHINESE YOUTH
The youth are the pride of any nation. Meaning today’s assets and tomorrow’s
leaders. That is why the youth is given special consideration. Youth enter the fields of
sports, they entere the army and various other fields of life. The thinking of the youth
validates successes in the future.
Hence youth have to be prepared we should instill patriotism us these youth and
train and groom them so these youth carry the future.
China is a modern, highly populated and multinational country. Only one child can
be raised. The Chinese population is large but they are not all youth. They……….
children and the aged.
Now where a family has family has one child, then the child assessments
tremendous importance. The responsibility becomes greater. The Chinese know his fact
all too well. They know the situation of their country all too well. They know what to do
and to do it? The Chinese population constitutes children, adolescents, youth, middle
aged and aged people meaning those above the age of 20 one generation of youth can say
they are undergoing to through youth and second are those who can say that they are
stepping into young age.
Every country has a history and the age of that time determines the course it has to
take and determine their goals. The Chinese history is such. Whatever paths the Chinese
leaders determined, whatever goals they chose, the Chinese nation fall owed and are in
the process of achieving future goals.
The Chinese Nation that faced difficulties attaining independence and the
generation after them are opposites in understanding and foundering.
53
If you meet people who are above 50 ………. They will have manners, etiquettes
communicating with people the basic manners such as silting and standing are clearly
shown. Apart from that the generation that is close to the previous generation show the
same attributes. Because they all witnessed the same history what the generation that
going towards youth or is young lack such morals. I am not saying I don’t say have
deficiencies this is all a part of an evolutionary process and with the passage e of time
along with welfare, convenience, wealth, it with complete the process of development
If the change is positive that I will lead, from best to bestest. If change is an
imitation it is change but it is not a real change.
The Chinese youth have done a lot to lift the weight over their shoulders. If you sit
on a bus you will see a lot of boys and girls, standing, half sleep. This is because they
study and work late. Other than that they have the inclination that their country’s
population is large. Count your blessings and treasure them and don’t be unthankful for
what you receive.
The new Chinese generation is very well off. But there seams that there is a
collective burden on their shoulder because I asked many Chinese about marriage and I
received one answer when we buy a house, they we shall marry engaged.
I asked an married couple the same question and received the same and were,
when we accumulate enough resource, then we will buy a house and thenacar, then we
will consider marriage.”
My friend Naveed Chohan said to me, I pity these Chinese men and women that
they can’t marry unless they take a house.
On day I met a young man in Tienman square we sat together and started speaking
in broken Chinese god knows he understood me or not because I don’t know Chinese a
lot. Any way he starting speaking in English as I did. I asked him to learn a little more
English. He replied “I have no indination to learn English if I you want to take to us earn
54
Chinese, we will get along together. What the Chinese said was right. What I did in
return was I got up and went to Bahai Part.
There are several incidences when I met Chinese youth and they showed
enthusiasm in speaking in English since the Beijing games were near and a lot foreigner
were to come to seek some help. That is why the Chinese youth were very keep in
learning foreign languages a lot of youth volunteered for the Beijing Olympics.
Volunteering for the Beijing Olympics was like a dream for these Chinese youth
they wanted to participate to show loyalty to their country. It didn’t matter if they had an
interest in sports or not because everyone is not interested in sports.
All these Chinese wanted to show how they treasured their dignity. But the way
this is a record. How many Chinese we met to who wanted to volunteer for the Olympics
looked very happy.
The Chinese youth were seriously affected by the Beijing Olympics Apart from
patriotism are seriously in the rest of the world. They are interested in seeking education
from the western world. Now that education has become more of an industry. Xou can
ern money by providing education this industry is its peak in Chine. That is foreign
students are coming to china for collocation most of these students come from
understated and Asian countries. Students from Europe and America also come to study
here. Similarly there is no scarcity of Chinese students who go abroad for education.
Then there are those Chinese who settle in foreign lands and Chinese settled all over the
world. All these Chinese are very patriotic. Delegates from foreign universities are
brought into china to inspect and know about these institutions. Apart from this two airs
happened in Beijing which I had a chance to witness. I really liked the fairs.
The Chinese youth are impressed by the foreign world particularly America they
like to go to America. Since the world has become a global village the effect of the
western soviet is everywhere china is not exempt from this infect I will say china has
adopted western civilization except for culture and tradion, western civilization has
55
stepead into Chinese civilization. Their……their ways of loving, acesidencps all show in
fluencies of western society.
If a Part from this if you go to the subway you will leave some space for the
elderly. And then there are those who from leave space from afar. But they are low in
quantity. Its takes a bus conductor to interfere and create space for the passenger. But the
feeling of good will has not vanished you will see youth who will notice aged passengers
from afar and make way for them. Yet they are less in quantity. However Chinese whose
age is 35 or 40 intensely follow the habit of making way for others were traveling in a
passenger train.
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Tianjin:
Who change is a part a Tianjin. It is an industrial city which he Tianjin
government construct. Who change is on a large and borad area. I have already
mentioned the Chinese radio arranged for a trip for us over there as Soutine.
We are received there the local government greeted us they made arrangements for
our entertainments we were located there besides industrial lands and infrastructure
arrangements. We also the newly constructed model fawn. We saw the residents on
model town, we saw the lives of their residents i.e. farmers and we also saw how the
government is giving out houses to the farmer with latest equipment.
This new village had a serve atmosphere the latest hi-tech houses have been
provided. The roads that were constructed here were broad. There were arrangements
made for education & ……………
One thing I should mention is the Chinese governments function is differently and
different pillars have been ………… these in duded some city states like Beijing,
shanghai and Tianjin. These are the states that work under the central government.
Tianjin is close to Beijing. This is a good railway system between Beijing and Tianjin.
The journey takes an have long. But for the Beijing Olympics a special shuttle train
passes. And the time span was reduced to 30 minutes. Who change is situated between
anjin, and Beijing you can come here by road or by land.
We have been told that there are education facilities over there hence there is a lot
of manpower attempts are underway to make this system better. The government along
with land electriacty also provides manpower and coming industries and industry won
will be provided with easy facilities.
We saw village sand ponds and water there are facilities for birds also and
measure have been taken to preserve wild life. There is a lot of wildlife around here and
57
wayward birds also seek refuge here and leave after the season ends. My trans lator
(Dang Dang) also went with me. We were reporting for a program.
58
A DAY ON THE WALL OF CHINA
As you know that when a spaceman looks down on earth he sees a line which is
“the Great wall of china. The Great wall of china is a monument of the past it is probably
as old as the Ehram. This monument spanning 1000km long is included in the eight
wonders of the world. China can feel just as proud of this monument as the Egyptians of
the Ehram or the river and the Pennames of the panama canal.
It is set that the ancient Chinese set three objectives on to make a wall above the
ground or making underground water channels of tarpan and the project of watering xing
xiang ther on rive on on water.
One day Aasia came and told me to get ready in the morning I have made
arrangement for ies to the “Great wall of China” the Great wall of China is pronounced
Chang Chen” in Chinese.
There are traud agencies in China from place to place they provide tour and make
arrangements for travel and entertainments for my brother sister and mother.
We got ready in the morning and I went to their house we took off in the morning.
The car of the agency arrived and took us to khaw peng man. There a big new beautiful
bus was waiting for us. We all just sat in the bus. Slowly and gradually everyone arrived.
This induded women and the youth. Then the bus took a turn we were taken to Tianmar
Square and when the first ray of light came the Chinese flag was put at full mast along
with an army parade. This is a very beautiful scene and we also witnessed this scene.
After this the car traveled for some hour and half and we readnt. The great wall of china
our leader asked us to stroll as we had to reach the same place on time.
Me, Yosuf, Ruqaya and mother got us we were climbing the Great wall of china.
We wore slimbing the stairs which were straight and uprght. But this scene was worth
seeing. everyone looked happy and enthusiastic. Yousuf was assisting Aasia’s father as
59
he was weak. One thing I must add that if Chinese people grow wold or aged they are
still in good healt hand they look quyite sturdy. These people eat less they exercise
reqularly. That is why they have no problem sightseeing mother was not in need of us but
we stayed with he just in case.
When we went to a greater height we felt such a joy that we can’t be explained.
Glimpses passed before my eyes when this wall was being built. This wall has been
contracted on some high and difficult mountains that you cannot cross them with you
bare feet. And to make a wall like this beats the mind. But the ancient Chinese emperors
achieved this task. The water moves like a severving snake.
These have passed ares which are impossible as residential areas this wall struts
from the sea and ends and Mongolia. The govt. of china takes measures for its
preservation and this wall is adding to Chinese tourism.
Wherever there is possible food drinks and entertainment is being provided you
will see photographers on the top of the wall making pictures. And decorations and
cravings for the wall will also be on display.
After spending two hours in the Great wall our team came back. But those tours
were like us if someone saw affair of fairies in mount Khaf land of the fairies, because
everywhere we saw, there were faired. At the end we were taken to a Chinese medicine
shop. Where Chinese experts of medicine were seated and were giving free examinations.
Medicines were also being handed out after that we were taken to a department of sang
Yashab and given a tour of it.
There was a lot of information on Chinese sangliashb. After this we were taken to
the exhibition hall in the exhibition hall were all things relatied to sang bishob and
jewellery was alo pat on display.
This I must tell you that China is taking all the steps in increasing tourism in its
country. Our visit is a part of this. We were also show different museums.
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We wer taken to a museum in which showed old civilization the rich and the
common were shows and a lot of information was relayed about them. These things were
worth watching. It also gave information on the era of slavery.
We also saw an exhibition area from Tibet in which botala palace was shown in
big models. And a lot of information was given about Tibet anyhow, this eventful was
memorable and that days visit and the excitement that came with it was memorable.
This is all due to my friends courtesy and my Chinese host love. Monum ents like
these are also present in Pakistan but they are barren with no one to atte4nd them
Ancient places are not only important for the country natin but infact the whole
world. The introduce the new generation to the history of civilizations, their tales and
conquests. But those natins who donot learn from the past and break away from it, then
history forgets them also.
Aromchi during the visit to chinjiang our first destination was Aromchi. We
reached Aromchi by air. I was accompanied by my Urdu translator Shaheen (Chen
Shiang) or visit was both memorable and unforgetful.
When I heard for the first time that we were going for a tour of Chen Jiang, I was
very happy. Because chenjiang is very famous with respect to its history culture minerals
and finally it is Chinas largest province. Majority of Muslims in Chen Jiang are Muslims
but still other communities are also selteled there.
When we were told to prepare for our voyage to Chen Jiang, Chen Jiang was
embroiled in racial conflicts. And so for the sake of public safety this tour was cancelled I
wanted to go to America at that time. Firstly because I had not seen my brother Iftikhar
for 10 or 12 yearly and secondly I had not met my paternal uncle Alamgir who I had not
seen since 1982. I missed desperately looking at their faces so I decided to go to America
and meet the both of them because exiting Pakistan, taking time makes it very difficult.
Therefore offer the delay of Chijang. I chose a month’s time for my interview. But when
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the four was delayed I became extremely worried as to how we will get together. And the
some happened; after I gave my interview for the Visa and delivered my passport, Mr.
Shaheen called and told me that we were going to Chen Jiang in 10 or 15 days. And so
my worries started but I was hoping 10 get my passport in a week because I was told so.
But as Allah willed I did not receive a passport and the days of our tour came ner. I went
to Jengoman from morning to evening but no passport and the day of our tour came even
nearer. I had the communications certificate for foreigners in Beijing, and I had my CIR
I.D card with me , I simply saw no problem with procedure. And finally when we were
about to go and reached the airport, airport security asked for our passports. And stopped
us the head of the department explained to them but gained no fruit. They called the
officer superior to them. He was a good man, he heard the case with great uncentration
and called his officers and hence and they told us that upon reaching there (which was
Shang Jings government), have a slip made so you don’t have any trouble. Therefore the
first thing we did was we made a slip and I was free to be mobile that day I saw how the
CRI staff and Chinese people are generally so good and cooperative. The same day our
elite staff Bairyaishang who was the head of our department, the deputy Dliveetior of
CRI Xang Foushang, head of the departments of foreign affairs madam………………..
gave me a lot of encouragement. They didn’t even frown, “that sir, your papers are
complete but our police wants your passport because the law says you should be
accompanied by your passport. This way I perhaps became the first man who traveled by
air without passport, which I something impossible to conceive. There I learnt how these
people attend their guests and how much they abide by their law. It is through their cooperation
that this tour became possible for me.
Chin Jiang is a highly populated place. Majority of people are Yaghour nation who
are Muslims and have full religions freedom. The life style of the people hare has been
greatly enhanced. A city in chin Jiang Om Chi is a very beautiful city. We have seen the
museum in this city and visited the tourist’s areas. In our tour of chin Jiang we felt the
area is developing very fast. The government is paying special attention to this area a web
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of roads is being constructed here. The means of communication are very developed and
efficient. This province is linked to China’s neighboring countries particularly those
associated with central Asia. These areas serve trade both between Pakistan and Central
Asia this is the reason why this area is important to China geographically and the
government of China give it special attention.
Because of chen Jiangs geographical and ungustic values some forces are a trying
to intiate racial ling uistic and group wars. The events that happened before our departure
prove this. These events can impair the development here nor will it have a negative
impact on the Muslims here and this region of the planet. Because if peace and tranquility
is destroyed here like in the rest of the world. If this flame is once ignited them it will
envelop Central Asian countries and various neighboring countries. Just like the events in
Afghanistan are affecting southern Asia but infect the whole world.
We saw the city Aromchi, from there we went toTarpan which is Famous in the
world for its fruits, ancient civilization and Ancient artifact. Aromchi is a beautiful clean,
and modern city. The foods here are also very famous. This city is an amalgamation of
civilizations and traditions.
Musuem at Aromchi:
This is a very famous museum. It has history of 15 nations and their civilization.
Here books data on authors clothes and other monuments. The most interesting thing for
me here is the “Mummy” preserved here. These mummies are less in number but very
strange. First these mummies were not made they were preserved by nature. These bodies
got stuck is sand, and kept eroding there and hence got preserved in sand. That is why it
is amazing to watch them and we get to know about the tradition and civilization of that
time. By watching them you get a know, how of the clothes, shoes, clothes, and living at
that time a person is completely amazed by looking at these mummies. The people at that
time their colour, and the colour of their clothes amaze you that things of that time are
still preserved in modern time.
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Aerial Electric Houses:
From Aromchi to Tarpan you will see a vast land in which fans of steel are
situated. These fans move with the air they are not constructed for giving air, infact they
move with air to generate electricity. The air moves in one direction. The clout of china
has benefitted from these turbans which are used for producing electricity. Whatever
electricity they prepare is sufficient to the requirements of Aromchi. If air is less, them
hydro Power is used to satisfy needs. These turbines are inexpensive and they are good
for the environment. They are an extremely cheap and important means for producing
electricity. China has a quality that reorder that we got. Does whatever it can to fulfill the
needs of the public and takes every other step that make these necessities available at
cheap price. These are the reasons why the government keeps the prices in check.
When you go to the Chian Jiang and then Aromechi and Tarpan you will pass by
this area which produces electricity you can see, them on both sides of the road.
China has made a lot of progress in the power sector and it is using scare means
for power production. This is the biggest power producing house of its kind.
The Water Lake at Aromchi:
There is a lake at a distance of 2, 2 ½ hours from Armochi. We spent one day over
have. The Journey was very calming and comfortable. A g reat road has been constructed
to reasch the lake when you reach this lake you see a hotel, next to it is the lake, and the
museums of the area. There is a model in the musoum where ancient artifacts are kept.
There are models of animals who live here you can reach the lake is four ways. By land,
by horseback, by electric lift or by care. We chose to go by foot. This was an unforgetful
tour. The route to walk has been made by wood in such a way that the environment is
preserved. The Wooten planks don’t make you feel fired o your journey. There are small
lakes along the way nature scenery, long frees, grass, greenery is spread everywhere. It
feds as if we are in a land of fairies the area is very clean and beautiful drums that are
favorable to the environment have been placed. Thousands of tourists come here but there
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is not a single piece of litter. The whole area has benches from place to place so the
tourists could take a rest. When you come here you are allured by the beauty of the lake.
The beautiful sene have an effect on the eyes and the mind is at rest. You feel fresh and
feel immediate happiness. There are boats also in this lake which travel you through the
lake if you want to travel in them tents have been erected in traditional form, which
indude Qazaq, Mangol, and wehour food is served in these tents according to respective
tradition. You have to take a guide with you who provides you with information about
this area like I have mentioned before china gives a lot of importance to its fourist
industry and takes every step possible tourism is easy in china and protective. Sources for
mobility are excellent this area deserves to be seen.
TURPAN
Like I we mentioned earlier Tarpan is famous for its gardens. There is an
abundance of fruit gardens here the weather here is very strange than one experiences all
four seasons in one day. From here fruits are not exported to other people of china but the
rest of the world. All you see is a web of roads here and fruits are very conveniently
exported to other markets.
These fruit gardens intice tourism. One benefit of touring here is that one gets to
travel and second you experience the hospitality of the locals. Hence their products are
sold and they are exposed to the world market.
The underground water channels (Kaaraiz) Tarpan ia an old place. Majority of
people here are Muslims. This area is famous for its underground water chanels
(Kaaraiz).
These underground water channels were not new to me since in Pakistan’s
province of Baluchistan, in Makran particularly Turbat contains underground water
channels famously called the Karaiz. Because I saw underground water channels in
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Turbat. Some are not heading for extinection. The biggest reason for this is I gnorance on
part of the govt. and the residents. Infect these underground water channels (kaaraiz)
have been giving benefit since Aneient times.
So we were taking about the underground water channels (Kaaraiz) of tarpan. The
underground water channels (Kaaraiz) are still under use and the govt. pays special
attendance to them. The govt. is assisting the locals in preserving these underground
water channels (Kaaraiz). These are the signs of a good welfare state that it gives peace
and security to its people as well security to its people as well as create avenues for their
livelihood. The govt. should promote local culture and be helpful and co-operative in
promoting it.
Therefore the underground water channels are promoting tourism in the area. A
museum has been built on these underground water channels. Because there water
channels are underground, hence underground rooms have been constructed in coordination
these museums themselves seem strange not a unique idea more than that there
are grapes of gardens on these underground water channels. You can pluk the grapes
from the tress and feel the taste of the juicy grapes there you will feel you are raaly in the
land of grapes.
With respect to history, these underground water channels are as old as the Great
wall of china are were built in the same time. It is said that the Great wall of china was
built in Chinese ground and an underground water channel (Kaariaz) was built under it.
The length of the underground water channels is as long as the Great water of china the
history of these underground water channels is shown through historic models. The
underground water channels have been emphasized in such a way that their functioning
becomes very clear.
The Waighour Family:
We were taken to a waighour family wher we not only saw there lives but felt it.
As well hons these people attend their guest, how the seat them and attend to them how
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they serve their gusts, how tea, food and fruit is put infront of guests and how the
government provides them with aid what facilities they are provided and what kind of
lives they lives. Also they prepare raisens from grapes and various other products. We
saw all of this and really enjoyed our selves. One young boy and girls showed the
traditional of the waighour to us. They also sang the traditional song. They also explained
the translation and the dance moves. This point of view as well because not only is the
waighour civilization explained but shown, its lyrics were strange. In this song a boy
professes his love for his lover, explains his loyalty and claims to be beatifying as her
lifepartner. On the other hand acceptance and rejection have been explained. In the end
the boy holds flowers in his mouth and presents them to the girl which shows the
desperation of his love, his vulnerability and obedience to his lover.
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THE AMEEN MOSQUE OF TARPAN
There is a mosque in Tarpan famous as the Ameen Mosque we also went to see
that mosque this mosque of cement soil, water and wood when you look at it seems like
have just been built. What is meant is that it has been preserved in its original state. It is
well protected that is why it has gained in importance.
Rooms and verandas have also been constructed along with the mosque. The
mosque has a big hall where a lot of follows come to pray. There is a femple of almost
300 meters which is very beautiful and graceful it is said that this mosque was
constructed by a muslim ruler who was obeying his king. This mosque is a aniqke
example of muslim culture it desing is like central and southern asia building it s main
gate is an example of the same to some extent it is like the big ed gah in Kashghar. There
are a lot of carpets the mosques hall because the entire mosque is made of soil, coment
and water, hence its use is now limited so it deoesn’t get tarvished American mosque is a
beatuitul mosque and is a marvel of Muslim are hitecture its ball has the capacity for 100
followers
Tia O’kha Ya Yarghil (Ancient city).
Tarpan is 182 km form Aromchriand Aromchi has been concented with tarpan by
a very big road. On your way to form aromch I to tarpan you will pass an aerial dectricity
plant which will be followed by a lake of salt water. It is said that nothing can drawn in
this lake as the water is salty and polluted.
An interesfact is than shanjiang sea is at a high level and it is very cold there
despite of being at the centre of shanjiang is at such a depth that it is below sea level and
it is a very warm place.
When you move farthe r you will see a destroyed city this is one of those cities in
the world that is made purely wik soil. This city is fully preserved by preserved I mean
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that the land it was constructed on preserved another thing that yarghal teokhaw was such
a city which was planned and enectedat 180
BC the land was cut to erect this city this city was under a kingdom for 500 years.
It has governemtn offices and the pal ace of the king, the rooms to his treasury in
the centre of t he city there are govenemtn.
Offices and next to them almost 600 childrne are worried
It is still unknown why achildrens grave yard was constructed in the centrace of
the city. Pid the chicldne die of a sudden accivelonet or due ot another reason .the ruins
of the city tell that his was a beautiful and planned city.
I would like to mention another fact that the govenrmetn has made rutes that have made
mobility easy . lilter bins are form place to palce and the place has been made fourist
friendly no matter how nany people come here, this place remains the same neither can
its ancient trademarks be aftected this proves how modern tourism is in china and how
much interest is takne in the ministry of tourism.
Jeaokhaw his produced writings in various languages which are mostly incluine se
(Khan) we ghour and moghcel languages along with this ancient artifacts and traces have
been found this includes the items used on that time and crockery etc.
Kashghar is called by the Chinese people as kaashi Majority there are Muslims when I
rea hed this city I said to shaheen that I feel as if I am in pakistna kashghar is like
Pakistani cities. The Pakistani and kashghar local times are t he same kashghars local
time beijings local time infact kashghars local time is three hours away form geijing form
this you can get an idea of china vast area and what a big country it is
Kashgars population cosists of the waighour waighour is a language like taurkish. I felt as
if it was an accent of the Turkish language. It is written in the Arabic form of writing and
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that is why it can be read with some effort. Here boards in Chinese and waghour are put
out on shops bazaars, steets, and government offices.
Waghour women wear the frock as shirt and a pajorma which the men wear paltns and
shrits and on top of that a long chagha and a kalak ove their heads.
Similarly muslim women cove their heads and cover themselves iwht their traditional
dress.
Kashghar found is a beautiful amalgamation of central asia, Chinese and Pakistani culture
at one place we saw parathas being made and when we inquired from the cook he told us
that he has learnt both pakistnai cooking and a little bit of th urud language and whenever
demands it he cooks Pakistani found for them. The foods we ate her were tasty and
smelled good the smell of food increased thour creaving we sae the houses of people in
Ancient kashghar it seemed as if we were in Pakistani houses.
We saw old alleys in which we wandered around we felt the culture of these alleys. These
oveal were old wayward alleys like in cities in Lahore, Peshawar etc.
Now the Chinese governemt has devided in preserve this city in its ancient city a and
along with that make it.frotective with latest facilities. For this they are looking at old
maps and designs to provide modern facilities such as coater gas, telephone, television,
and cable. Steps are also being taken for the cities ventilation. But the city the cities
ventilation. But t he city and its age and time remain preserved special planning is being
taken for this and we sa several houses just like these
The people of kashghar are divided into two groups those who want to carry on living
their traditional lives and some who want to adot the modern ways of life backward
peope are those people that our houses would be madein the same map and design like
they are now some of these people included those who want to keep the same windows
and lamps houses have been constructuracted to suffice their demands we have seen that
some houses are not ready yet but the owners are already living in them development
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work is underway and eople are inhabiting those houses as well these people are very
happy.
One agend man in a house fold us that he has founr children nd his ouse is being with
respect to the member of his family members. And the house he has been granted is two
stroyes he alos told as that he will like writh his family in on story and will make a hotel
in the other storye this is how he will increase his income.
I really apporeciated this step taken by the Chinese government. The first life here is
ancient and its inhabitats are being given the right to conserve their life style and
secondly they are given modern facilities.
Second, for grand flats are being constructed fore people who want to live in modern
facilities. Some of thse of lats have been complsed and some are underway of
compoletion. We became a guesls of one of t hese residens and experienced their
hospitality we saw their way of life very closely their hospitality we saw teir way of lie
very cosely their hospitality was tradition and there ws an essence of live in its.
Ithis deesinot mean that kahsghar is very old that is not true and wealthy families the
trading people and government servants live in these housese and are living a life of
luxiery there is an essence of poverty in the population of kashgar but his is because it is
an amologamation of old mand new icty. Both go side by sid.
I did not feel like a stronger traveling the bazaars of kashghar everybody looked happy.
The women here were working shoulder to shoulder with men. People have complet
freedom to learn their livelihood one thig you will find in china is tht cycles and
motorcycles are made three wheelers I saw that a lot in kasha these three use to earn live
lihood this is cheap employment in oehr words it is self employment kashghars women
are very ard working and work along with the men.
When we came here the next day was the beginning of ramazan. I asked peple when the
first Roza was they answered tommarow. The next day in Saudi aral, most
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muslimcountreis and in pakistnai province pakhtunkhaw was the beginning of ramazan.
Wheres in the rest of akistan the annoucnemt for Ramzan was made day after the next
day i.e. on the first roza we were told that Bazaaars will open late due to Ramazan we
toured kashghar and its bazaars and alos saw the open bazaars on the street corhers.
We have seen one thing in Kashghar that there is a beautiful mosque constructed in every
street which have bing minars temples and these minars have been decorated very
beautifully.
While we were on tour to kashghar the area ws in tension and the government was
cautious and were told not to go to far off places. We saw army trucks scouting the
streets. And were ready to face any danger the public did not have an expresdion that
would suggest that the area was tense.
Anyway this thing is certain that people are bene fitting for mthe development in t he area
and their standard of living is changing. The government has realized that in order to
achieven peace nd welfare the best way is to ensure progress and economic development.
That is why the government is taking all measures for the progress of the area. It takes
lesser timeto go form here to akistna, and you come to the border there are golden
opp9rtunities of trade between paistna and china the chinere goverentm is doing al lit can
to provide resources and enchance gtrade
Te concersation is not complete if we mention kasghar and not mention the eid. Gah
mosque we will definitely descuss this but first lets talk about the bazaars and parks of
the area. After this we will descuss in detail Eid gah mosque and the tomb of khawaja
khawaja ghan.
During the tour we were asked to go to the Bazars. There you can buy things and get to
know people we went into the biggest market in kashghar whre all type of times were
avaialb like clothes jewllery things makde of and other items in theis bazaars a lot of
decoration and clothes imported form Pakistan are for sale this is a big international
market there you will find valuabl stones and products makde form them the artists can
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work on the stones imforent of yu and make them as you wish the craflsmanship her
deserve recognistion you will the cheapest of the cheape and the expensive of the
expensive stones over her in china sing bishop is in frequent use and its products are great
in number you will see them in every area, every market particulars lockets.
Seeing Pakistani products in kashgha stories gave me a happiness of oneness form
Pakistan majority imports are prayer mats scarf,
In our trade community honestly want to brign their products then a lot of production can
be exported alos we must respect Chinese law, and keep their demands infornt the same
day we went to the kashghar eid ghah and the tomb of khawaja ghan also we went to the
biggest park in kashgar we really enjoyed this tour the stature of chairman mao Tse Jung
is alos placed ove ther we alos saw the sun set in the park, which was a beautiful sing
apart for this we went to another park and got sides fomr electric which fulfilled one
circle with serious deifficulty.
Probably its motor was demaged once we started going up half way it structed making it s
way. Back me and shaheen were sitting in the same electric carriage.
Shaheen laughed and enjoyed her risee when this carriage reached the top, we sae
kashghar city in night time.
The whole city was lit with bright right al that time kahsghar looked very mysterious. We
triet to see the eity all we can we strolled fo quite a long wile and we did not feel danger
anywhere it feet we were in swat twenty years ago when we could go at night and sterol
in that city at that time swat was called asia switzerlnd there was peace every where and
the people were peaceful as ell the cetryhalnot afallen prey to conspiraches. We used to
go to the field in moonlite nights and enjoyed our selves noro we can only thing aobut it.
Kasghars memorable night opened windows of previous memories in my mind.
Peshawar, where we used to go to army stadium and sit in an electic carriage, and four
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the city but those times are present today and the sketch the revis and mediajy are
presenting in not admirable.
Eid Gah mosque and Khawaja Ghanis tobm:
The eid gah mosque in Kahsghar is one of the biggest mosques in the woelrd it is a
marvel of Muslim architiecture it occupies thousand of follower for prayerat one time .tis
some 600years old the mosque is preserved in its original form.
This mosque consist of main gate; gardens, doors, verenda, and the mosque hall. The
mosque hall is vey long and wide at the centre of the mosque is the Mehraable of the
Imam and on the roof are engraved t he Asmaul Husna (99 blessed names of Allah) with
the beaufiful art of calli grpahy has decorated the mehraab of the mosque with beautiful
colours, flowers and carvings.
To give support to the roof of the mosque beautiful wooden pillars have been used. To
makethe roof othe mosque even more beautiful of plaster of pairs has been used and then
on top of the plaster, the roof is decorated by carvings.
The colour green has been used more frequently than other colours. Because green is
considered an Islamic colour to enter the mosque yu have to enter through the main gate
which is the r ocognition of this mosque its image is used in the Chinese national
calendar apart from this it is the symbol of Kashghar when you see the mosque from after
it looks brilliant and dignified. On firday, 30,000 followers occupy the space of the
mosque whereas in eidain the amout goes to 70,000.
Behind the mosque is the tomb of Khawaja ghan it is said khawaja family settled here
form central asia. He attained tremendous fame and heincluded in the dignified class of
people the king of china chain long married his grand daughter she became famus as the
fragnant queen here name in Chinese is shiang fay. After death this empress wa brought
to kashghar and buried next to her family. In this tomb the entire khawaja family
including children is buried.
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A has been made which is 26 meter long and 17 menter ide.
At the door of the building are the names of the people buried here the mosque is
decorated wit tiles and a verse is carried in Persian I think that if someone reads this
verse carefully they can determine the year of construction of date of death
………………to this mosque is anoher large mosque which is called the Friday mosque
and its is the second biggest mosue of shangjiang it was constructed in 1873.
This mosque is in its original condition. When you come here and you feel a strange type
of pleasure the Chinese government reserves a special amout for the conservation of this
mosque.
The Friday mosque is made of wood and sand it has a vast hall where carpets have been
laid. It is an example south west Asian and central asian archi tecture in the centrae the
roof is supported by wooden pillars this mosque looks to me like the mosque in
Peshawar. The old population in Swat used the same decorated wood as pillars and used
big log this mosque has a space for many followers.
2 weeks in America:
The mention of America might sound strange to you isn’t it strange that we are not
falking about the land of the fairies and what is the purpose of talking abut America after
coming back from shangjiag I went to America and about my four to shanjiang I
mentioned that I submitted my passeport for an American vise. I alos faced difficulties in
going to shangjiang.
It just so happened tha madran Mehwish that you will have a one month holding how
would yu kike to spend it I said wto things, either I will tour china onr try to go to
America or I will try to meet my brothe and uncle in America becuae I had ot seen my
brother for the past twelve years and my paternal uncle who is very deartome had been in
America for 20 years.
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I waned to meet the both of them I applied for a vise in the last day of the year. The
embassy told me that I will get the visa but after some time I thought I will get a visa and
spend an entire month but the visa got late and this waiting time took tow months In
china I gave an extension to my holdays so my holidays are not wasted.
Becaue I did not have the passorot, therefore, I could not risk moving to another eity
coincidentally, when my sixth holiday ended I received a phone call that your passoort
has arrived please come and please come and collect it my happiness knew no bouns as I
collected my passport, a Asia booked a seat for me in an airliner and three days later I
was off to seattle.
In my preparation to go to seattle I had no idea what or what not to take with me my
broher asked me not to got into pretenses and I don’t have to bing anything. I thought I
bring a gift form Beijing and hence I bought items made of porcelain for thaem.
Most of the items were definitive of muslion values.
Aasia said that you can take anything made from Beijing from us your brother and so she
gave me cooked duecks I left evey thing to allah and left after landing in seattle and
going for paper work, the authorities asked me what have you brought wit you, the c
ustoms said that these are prohibited I answered that this is a gift from unique that area
they said alringht, if the agriculture department allows us we have no jbjections.
When it came to the agriculture department they said, “This is a crime why did you bring
it here I said that it is a unique git from Beijing they answered by “We are sorry we
cannot permit this it is illegal and they threw the two due ks in the waste basket form
there I took a train and headed towards the terminal wherer my brother was waiting for
me I met my borhter after a long time we were both very happy. I saw his children for the
first time.
America is a democratic state free and democratic in the sense that when you land there
you can o anywhere you.please you don’t have to report to any police station. No one
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asks you anything. When we left the airport, no one asked us anything when I leave with
my passport in my pocket, my brother laughs that it was not necessary. This is America
he told me that 15 to 20 years have passed but o one has asked I used to tell him that it is
bette to be cautious. In comparison, with paksitan and USA, in china you have to report
youself police station. Other wise you will be caught and considered a criminal, and
leading to deportation.
The next day my paternal uncle came from a jet in Arkansas. He told my brother, “don’t
tell Rasheed I am coming” when we met him in seattle airprto, my eyes burst with tears
of joy.
I had met my uncle after 1982. He was very happy and I had gone to Americ especially
for him.
America is a developed country and has way for ahead. Sealtive is Americas veerygeen
state you will seen plants form four seasons in one place it is famus for its natural beauty.
Another good thing is that there are flights form seattle to china. There is a Chinese
coumunity here we saw Chinese restariats here so, I was talling that sealtle was a
beautiful city when I visited it the weather was moderate I wore warm clothes form
Beijing. But I dinnot feel the need to wear them. The weather was very pleasant. We
roamed around seattle. We went to the sea side and visited the mountainous area. Seattle
was really worth seeing. My brothers are settle in the us a for some time and work for a
company named Medtronic’s. They are senior engineers thee that is why they are very
busy to come. Then there is the problem of the education of the children which makes
going out even more difficult. Here I need to tell you that we are three brothers and a
sister. One of m brothers is settled in france faith his family. The youngest is in the
family in USA. My sister is with her family in Ireland. Now we can gather with great
difficulty when I ws in china I felt that since I am away from my country and these are
holiday, so this is an ample opportunity to see everyone. But since the American visa
took time, I can called all programs and went to Seattle.
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Some people call America “The land of dreams”. And really it looks like that land of
dreams. Because we met after a long time most time was spent at home. I stayed with my
uncle, my brother and his children at home. When at fikhar would come from work we
used to take off and stroll from place to place.
I have not compared china with USA. These are separate countries with their own
geography and history. Similarly never compared Pakistan with these two countries
because we have a different culture and tradition. Similarly levels of development are
different. The weather and outdoors are also different.
Now one thing that china is progressing at an amazing rate china is making its living
better at a very fast pace this is also very amazing every country with its individual
beauty, and its own individuality.
One thing I saw in the streets of sea that if someone puts a foot down from the footpath.
Traffic is halted. I experienced this several times. It is seen in our country that if someone
wants to cross the street, then drivers accelerate in speed rather than desiderate.
But what I liked in Seattle was that people took care of pedestrians Seattle is at the
seaside and its weather suits its locality. The population places are made without
affecting the natural beauty. The city is made in accordance with nature. We went to
settles floating bridge several times. Other than that we travelled in ferry by acar. We
went to several area. We went to Levin vert and snow Qualmi. This is a beautiful place.
When we reached a certain height it was very cold. Later we saw snow Qualmi village,
which is very beautiful. It is said that the Germans settled here, and they constructed it in
the German style. When my uncle saw it he said “this is just like Munich”. He was very
amazed and happy. Because he lived in Munich for 2 to 4 years. He really likes Munich. I
lot of people visit this district, when they get a two or three day holiday.
I could not leave Seattle due to shortage of time. This two weeks passed like a breeze.
My uncle left a day before we came and now the next day I had to leave for Beijing.
After reaching Beijing I went for shanghai the next day.
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America is the land of dreams for many youth. Because whoever came here never left, or
atleast took something with them. He or she must have seen their dreams come true. I am
not writing all this because I am influ enced by America. But it is reality that there is
something in this land. The us govt. policies are mostly disliked by people but every
country does this to proted and benefit its nation.
American policies are not looked with a good eye. The pro-Israei American policy is
looked with pain and anger in the Islamic world. And now their policy in Afghanistan is
not seen with respect either similarly American intervention in South East Asia is not
appreciated. America is spending a lot of money but this weath is bringing destruction
istead of progress American government is taxing its nation and with this wealth is
bringing destruction is the world the wealth that should be spent for the peace and
welfare is the world is being used for cruelty, violence and destruction. America also
realizes that but it has no solution to this. The credit for creating the Taliban, directly or
indirectly goes to America.
But one thing is settled that Americans have made a gret America. The streets, the
trees astonishing they all took keen with human nature.
I did not feel the need for going My heart didn’t like to leave my two nephews and
another nephew Shamroz Khan. He was only a year old and was learning how to stand.h
he was very beautiful and very Sweet. When I came back I didn’t feel like eating or or
doing something for a week.
All the children roamed before my eyes. The same is the condition today. May god
have mercy on them and give them happiness ….. Amen.
The visit to Qinghai whatever I have seen of China I saw in faces some places I
foured due to china radio international. This touring I did was funded by the Government
e.g. who cheng, Shengjiang which induded Kashghar and Aromchi. I saw some places at
my own expense. I went on my own will this indudes American city of Seattle and my
visit to Shahnghai. I spent my holidays at my own expense and will.
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It was a great wish of mine that I spent most time shee Aan, but I could only
manage a day. I went to Tianjin several tiems and saw several places there Also, I wanted
to see shenxen, Shanghai, so xo and see many places like Hangxou. If life is faithful and I
have the opportunity to go to China, I will definitely see these places.
In govt. tours the benefit is that the host with respect to time circumstance tour
areas for the comfort of their guests but in a private tour as your pocket, time and
resources. Anyway my friends planned a visit in Shahnghari for me. My wish was to see
the lake here but because of the cold and scarcity of time that was not possible.
Come back from America and when I arrived at the airport Aasia was waiting for
me and my friends had booked a plance to Lin Xou and Aasia had the tickets. From the
airport we went to a restaurant and ate there. I arranged my luggage and packed. I kept
some luggage I brought. From America at Aasias cousin and took the portable luggage
with me from there we went to Mr. Sattar’s house. The reason to meet him was that Aasia
wanted to return her debt to him. Aasia took a debt from him to purchase the restaurant
but he restaurant failed and due to incoming of insubstantial income she sold the
restaurant and had thoughts of leaving Beijing. Therefore we went to Masoud Sattar’s
house. Our plan was to spend the night at his house but we changed our plans when we
reached ther. I went to the hotel and Aasia went with her cousin to Beijing University.
Her cousin was preparing for his examinations. The next day we took a flight to Lin Xou.
It was snowing in Beijing where as the weather was pleasant in Lin Xou. No water, no
Snow, the sun shone all day. Although, there was cold. Weather from Lin Xou to
Khaishwan, Mainkhaw Shanyang and Shee Aan and return back to Beijing. During this
time we did all our travels from motorcar, taxi, bus and railway. During my travels I saw
Chinese progress, welfare work and measures being taken for the welfare of the public.
There is similarity between Chinese and Pakistani history. Both were enslaved by tyrant
rule and are very close to birth as a nation in years. For this both nations have scarified a
lot. Both countries started from the same era and developed themselves. But the
difference between both countries that China kept on progressing. Their policy continued
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and became better. Where as in Pakistan the continuity of policy did not last in the
decade of the 60’s the friend towards policy and progress did not last whereas china
today is world power.
China after its freedom went through tremendous progress under the Chinese
communist party. In communications and modes of travel, china made tremendous
progress. This country is a web of roads. And roads have been made according to
international standards something here is worth seeing. The whole country of china is
caught in this process and difficult to reach and for off areas are being connected to cities.
All the aerial routes have been connected there is an airport in every small and big
city. And tickets are own label on discount to the people.
The Chinese govt. gives great importance to the modes of travel and tries for its
progress the Chinese modes of travel are exemplary.
China has given great progress to the railway system. Shuttle trains have been
introduced. The underground train system is an example on its own. I have heard that this
system is functioning in other cities china’s big, small cities and areas are inter connected
through the best train system which is progressing by the day.
On the other hand Pakistan since its birth has not made substantial progress in its
railway system. The railway tracks have not increased one inch. A lot of trains have been
put out of order. If you enter a train you will be amazed to see its rush. Also this
department is going at a loss in Pakistan.
There was an exemplary and successful govt. transport system in Khyber Pakhtun
Khwa. This department was put out of order to illegally acquire its assets. The same was
done for the private companies. Pakistan railway removed all railways built during the
British Era. This is the only department that is in most public use but is going into loss.
We have seen china. The whole world is amazed at its progress. This Coventry is
developing fast not only in the industrial sector but other sectors as well china is ahead in
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science as well china has even stepped on the moon but where are we sanding? And why
are we still standing in the same place? Pakistan is enriched in minerals but how are they
being used? We have abundant water reserves yet we suffer from scarcity of water.
China is re-distributing its population with its origins. Attempts were made to
separate them. But the Chinese rules reclaimed those place, Hong Kong, Macace etc. but
what happened with Pakistan, we lost East Pakistan, and the rest of the land is subject to
conspiracies.
China is making every possible effort for the progress of its far off places and we
are destroying our country in the name of progress.
I learnt a lot from my visit to Shahghai. You cannot keep without praising the
Chinese people and leaders. When we start believing that our country’s welfare is our
welfare then that country will attain stupendous success. If you don’t believe me look at
the land of fairies.
Shahghai:
Shahghai is China’s second forgets province. There is a majority of muslims here I
visited Shanyang, Mainkhaw, Khai Shaw wan and strewed Lee Arboo . because of the
shortage of time, I could not move around much anyway I saw a lot in this time. I saw
here the Muslim way of life, their marriage customs, customs, and hospitality of these
areas.i saw a lot of love for Muslims have for I Slam.
Muslims are spread all over China and you could see them every. Blok there
majority in Shahng hai and they are un-majority. Shahaghai is included in that cities
where Muslims are in majority and it is in duded in those cities where Muslims are in
majority.
Wayghor Muslims are in majority in Shanjiang there language is like Turkish and
their ancestry is joined with Turkey. But Shahanghai Muslims who call themselves
“Mua” are real Chinese. It is said that the Mua generation are the Children of this
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generation who came to china is the beginnings and two Muslim Arabs who came here
for trade and preaching settled here. They married the locals and the generation that came
forward were the “Mua” in Chinese “Mua” means “horse” why are they called Mau, this
I don’t understand.
Majority of Chinese Muslims come from “Muansil” According to the law every
citizen Must have a Chinese name for example of if you are a Muslim, you will definitely
have a Chinese name. and Muslims can keep a Muslim name. a lot of Muslims were
discovered who do not remember.
Chinese names, because Chinese names are accepted in your papers, and hence
they are left forward with the Chinese name. some Muslims do know the meaning of their
name one thing to mention here is because china is a socialist country and preaching is
prohibited children read socialist curriculum and they have to get further education. Then
these children are burdened with education and so they don’t get time to learn about their
religion. The stray away from their religion and remain Muslim by name they only know
that they are Muslim’s when they get married, a Muslim girl marries a non-Muslim boy
and a Muslim man marries a Non Muslim woman so you can analyze what becomes of
their children. A lot of Chinese are worried about this cannot persuade their children to
marry of a Muslim girl because love is blind. The Chinese society is a free society. I have
seen some Chinese women who are looking for a suitable bride for their some. Once a
mother arranged a meeting with a girl with a Muslim man. But the boy did not see any
quality as a pair bence the meeting was disbanded. This is the situation with all Muslims,
they are desperate to take the tides of circumstances . on some occasions, the parents
allow the girl to choose, at least the girl found a bride groom. This is enough.
The new Chinese Muslim generation are staying from their religion and values this
challenge is for the Chinese generation and particularly the Chinese Muslim youth
especially who study at far off places. I have even seen that the girl likes the girls
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realizing he is a Muslim, so she herself keeps a Muslim name Muslim marrying Muslim,
that is enough.
There is a law in the Chinese socialist state that if you don’t any religion but you
believe in the socialist system and manifest, then all citizens have the same rights.
I went from Beijing to Linxou. Rents are cheap in china so you can travel by rail
instead of instead a king a trip by plane. The tour takes three hours by plane. When I
reached Lin Xou the weather was pleasant because it was very cold n Beijing. Here the
weather was relatively warm. So I really enjoyed myself. From Lin Xou to Khai Shewan
we traveled by Motor. My hosts had arrived meaning Aasias sister Rugqya , brother Esa,
and their sister in law. They greeted me at the airport. And we all took off.
Lin Xou is famous for three kings. The yellow river this city is situated at its
corner. Secondly for Alamjan, which is special Chinese dish and I really like it. Damian
are noodles in white mutton grave. When it is prepared it is put in the cooking pot and
fresh radish and small pieces of onion are mixed with it along with red Chinese. It is the
cheapest Chinese food and you can call it Chinese fast foot.
The third thing for which Lin Xou is famous is the literary magazine that is
published from here, Dou Xou, which means reders. Lin Xou is anold city bfamous for its
Chinese specialists, and foods.
After Lin Xou comes Khaw Shawan in city there is a railway station on one and
returants on the other. The restaurants here are very famous in which delicious foods are
cooked. From Khaw Shaywan we went to Mankhaw.
Man Khaw is very famous is its area. Its bazaars and simple and I really enjoyed
strolling here. He majority population here is Muslim. There are beautiful Mosques here.
You believe in the socialist system and manifest to, then all citizens have the same rights.
I went from Beijing to Lin Xou, Rents are cheap in china so you can travel by rail
instead of instead taking a trip by plane. The of tour takes three hours by plane. When I
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reached Lin Xou the weather was pleasant because it was very cold in Bejing. Here the
weather was relatively warm. So I really enjoyed myself. From Lin Xou to Khai Shewan
we traveled by Motor. My hosts had arrived meaning Aasia’s sister Ruqya, brother Esa,
and their sister in Law they greeted me at the airport. And we all took off.
Lin Xou is famous for three tkings. The yellow river this city is situated at its
corner. Secondly for alamajan, which is a special Chinese dish and I really like it damian
are noodles in white mutton grave. When it is prepared it is put in the cooking pot and
fresh radish and small pieces of onion are mixed with it along with red chilies. It is the
cheapest Chinese food and you can call it Chinese fast foot.
The third thing for which Lin Xou is famous is the literary magazine that is
published from here, Dou Xou, whichmeans reader. Lin Xou is anold city famous for its
Chinese specialties, and foods.
After Lin Xou comes Khaw Shawan. In city there is a railway station on one and
restaurants on the other. The restaurants here are very famous in which delicious foods
are cooked. From Khaw Shajwan we went to Mankhaw.
Man Khaw is very famous in its area. Its bazaars and simple and I really enjoyed
strolling here the majority population here is Muslim. There are beautiful mosques here.
When you go to their mosques they are filled with followes. The follower include
young, old and Children. I really liked the mosques here. They are meant to be seen I
have previously mentioned that mosques here are like buildings, complexes. Where space
has been made for Madrasas, teachers and students. The one thing particular about the
mosques in shanghai are their temples (i.e Minars) which have been made with great hard
work and have Chinese specialties in them. Their structure is very interesting, beautiful
and dignified. I saw temples like these on my way to shinning on my way to Orly Arbo
all temples wee made in exactly the same way.
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Lee Arbo:
We went to Lee Arbo a day before we went to China. Lee Arbo is a valley amidst
mountains. There is sealtered Population in the form of China. It is not extremely
populated like the cities. At one place there is a house at another and eight at another. We
went on a private car. At the end of the road was a beautiful vast and very wide Mandir
spanning in areas. When we went near that Mandir we thought it to be a house of a great
leader or perhaps it is a govt. rest house. Where we come to rest for days. But when we
got closer we found out that it was a Mandir. It was constructed almost 600 Years Old.
When I saw it I thought about Sidharta Mahatma Gautum Budho and his
followers. I also thought about hadn picked followers that are chosen from far off places.
Sothey achive “Ghyan” with ease And.
A part from that two areas in Swat which are famous for Budhism. Mengora’s
statue Kara, our village Bara Bandi, Shangar Dar Kastopa…….. these places which are
centres of peace and places of knowledge. People were doinking each other’s blood only
in the name of religion; this religion brought. Islam peace which means peace. The
mountains of Lee Arya and Cluster of Trees or can it a Jungle. Just like swat I am amazed
at the followers of Buddhism. That chose places of worship where people were similar
that one is amazed I would like to make an interesting revelation of Takht Bhai’s ruins.
Because traces of Buddhism are found over here. Here phalls meant for meditation have
been constructed and various residential buildings are present here. For them a place of
silence was chosen. I really enjoyed looking at this place. We wanted to see a residential
place there but he people inside that parohat is out right now and we can’t go in without
his permission any way, the Mandir was very beautiful and must be beautiful on the
inside, and be filled with idols because idol worship is practical here. The idols are
usually Budh. Mahatma Buda himself was not an idol worshipper. He was mostly under
meditation or be in a tramee and was keen with his world. The same is said about Sarakat
that he would go in a trence while walking or stand at a place and sometimes be in a
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standing position for 2 or 3 days. English philosopher Bertrady russel has this to say
about him “A friend of his said that they were invited to eat al a place. We were going to
the hosts house that he just stood there. The next day when I came back he was still
standing in the same position. Socrates used to say that he heard voice and I see angles.
He purpose of saying this that believers of Buddhis and especially ……….and ………..
always found peace in far off and difficult areas. So their mediation is not unsettled. The
proff of that is this Mandir where the quantity of Buddhists is how but people used to
come here and built a Mandir here. A part from this is Swat, Taxila, Takht Bhai ruins,
Shahbaz Garhi and Mansehtra has huge rocks had followers who were bared on love,
friendship, and sympathy.
On the other hand I saw various houses built from by farmers in my way back
from Lee Arboo. These houses belonged to Muslims and Non-Muslims and were made
nearer to each other. The houses of the farmers were very simple and dignified I can
people had inserted houses corn into their houses. At some places wheat has been put to
dry. This atmosphere looked like the rural atmosphere in Pakistan. I felt that rural life is
the same in China and Pakistan. Infect now I believe the rural areas everywhere are the
same. Same and peaceful and people way of life is the same. The contractions and
sturdier are difference but the simplicity is the same. The love, adoration, and simplicity
is the same peoples life style is the same I saw the difference more clearly in Chinese
rural areas. Here houses have been made differently on their houses and farms on my
return from Leo Arbo we reached a village whose name I don’t remember where we sat
down to catch the bus to take us back home. The bus was empty and we were four or five
people, so we really enjoyed the local bus. We had great joy on that bus. The local people
also kept riding on the bus. And we came back in an hour.
Speaking on my trip on the bus I must mention that the Chinese have a Quality
that they don’t interfere in other people’s business. This ends a lot of troubles. But it has
some harmful effects as well. I would like to clear some that for example you are
standing at an area, and another person wants to pass by. That person will never ask you
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to move. First you move, and then he will pass. Similarly if there are three persons
travelling in a subway. I occupy the space of three people by putting my bag in one seat
and a water bottle in another. I will see that people will remain standing but no one will
say “Give me a place to sit”. I have witnessed this several times. Then I gathered that
these people have been taught and they have been trained like this. Because it sounded
strange that china has curbed human nature to solve a lot of problems. If this happens in
Pakistan that someone mistakenly stands somewhere or occupies the space of three
people, the God knows what he has to hear or some ones punches him till he is un
conscious.
Secondly, China never interferes in anywhere’s business. If what the other person
doing is right or wrong. The biggest benefit in this is that human relations are not
tarnished and people will sympathize with each other.
After our return from Lee Arboo, we had dinner at yusafls place yasuf met me in
Beijing. Our friendship increased. And the three a party for me. We went to Khaishwan,
and ate at a traditional restaurant. My host gave an excellent order. One of them who
Khogwah. In it a special gave is put under light fire. Fire is set from beneath and very
fine art cut meat with vegetables is cooked with it. It is simple but tasty meat. And you
can alter your taste as you wish. I like this and “Dunbgi” (Pushto is called Khanak or
majma). Anyway, I will remember the food at Khaishwan. There is a train stations is
Khaishwan from where I went to shee Aan.
Shanyang:
The capital of shanghai, Shanyangs history spans 2,000 year,. Here ancient wod,
wool, and salt is traded. They have kept themselves ancient. This city has seen the lots
and colds of time. It is said that an earth quake took place in 1967. In which financial and
human losses took place. But life moved on and today mirged with past and present. The
present is now bringing good news we went to shanyang by motor car and from the road
of Khaishwan reached shanyang in about two hours time. On our way we saw China’s
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streets, railroad treks, and expressway. We also saw the pace of China’s progress and the
anation is moving along with the question that are the Chinese people progressing in the
same pace. The Chinese nation is deserving of progress. Because they are the followers
of their leades and they have this consistent quality.
China has learnt that roads highways lead to progress the distance between cities
and people come closer. Like I said before that you can travel anywhere or plane you will
find entertainment everywhere you will not get bored anywhere we saw welfare
everywhere we got off the car in Shinyang, apart from that markets, we saw a big store of
Chinese medicine, and we saw that medicine here let me tell you that China there are
doctors in big stores. Who give you free advice and checkup, so you could bag the
suitable medicine. In America you cannot bury medicine without doctors advice. China
has its own norms china is not exempt from them.
The weather of Shanyang was pleasant in those days. It was neither hot nor cold.
We saw the famous Dong Gwan mosques. This mosque is vast and is constructed like a
complex. Its temples and tomb are very beautiful inside there is a vast hall and many
buildings. We came back from our visit in Shanyang but did not spend the whole day but
whatever we sam in half day was enough here you will get Chinese food and Chinese
Halal food in aberndance because there are lots of Muslims here.
The same is the state in shanyang. You will see women dad in beautiful clothes,
looking like fairies and princesses working who bring rigour to life and bring beauty to
the population.
Shee Aan:
Shee Aan means western peace its old name is Chang Aan. This is province
shanse capital and is one of chinas four ancient capitals.
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It is the silk route s became last the Attar 1990 it revival of central and northern
China. It emerged as cultural, industrial and educational centre. In it are the grave yards
of shec Khwang and the stat\use of Tera Kota where also discovered.
Because I did not have enough time, I spend a day in shee Aan. How many places
I could see in one day is your guess. You need great time to see shee Aan if life permits if
I shall see shea Aan again, and write, a book about it because it is the capital of old China
and the centre of Modern Chinese culture.
We reached shee Aan on one morning by train. We sat at Khaishewan at 10’0
clock train. The next day around nine’o clock we reached Shee Aan. Shee Aan’s railway
station deserves to be seen, when we exited we put our bags etc in the related office in the
railway station. From the station we went to see the historie Mosque of Shee Aah. This
mosque was very dignified and a mavel of Muslim architecture. This mosque is a
gathering of buildings. It has the hall of the mosque, museums, conference room, places
firablution charity rooms bath room’s, verenda and Madrassas. This mosque is a marvel
of Chinese architecture.
The hall of the mosque is huge and 1000 followes can pray over her. The roof of
the mosque is decorated and the names of Aacoh are engraved. The mehrab of the
Mosque is very beautiful. Wood is the most abundantly used material the wooden doors
of the mosque are worth looking when you try to enter the mosque you see a traditional
big wooden door, which is getting old with time. This is why it has been taped on four
sides so no one enters and anything doesn’t fall on the person entering. Anyway, this
door stands in its might. Then there is a vast veranda in which Chinese style …………..
have been made a beautiful temple has been contracted for the calling of the Azan. The
decorations and carvings show the expiries of that time.
Getting information from the mosq was museum, the mosques basic infrastructure
meaning master plan and different stones have been kept. Apart from this the second
mosque is a mosque of beauty when we exit the mosque there is a mosque where various
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things are made in Joshee Aan things related or artifacts have been kept. This in dudes
ancient stones, which you can buy.
You can finds Chinese food over here. From there we went to Husn mosque a.k.a
the mosque of beauty. From there we went into the city, first e went to the city clock.
This is a specimen of Chinese architecture. Roads have been built around it. Then we
went to a big and famous plaza where we did some shopping. We also went to a
polytechnic school. We saw various buildings. The “eity clock” increase in beauty in
evening time. When lights glitter upon it.
We made a booking for the ten o clock train. From there our next destination was
Beijing. Where I had to stay for two days and then go to Pakistan. We asked waldini to a
visit to Pakistan. And so my busivest in which we saw a lot of places in the least possible
time. Traveling from we traweled from shee Aaa to Beijing, spent the night and then I
spent my last night in Tianjin and finally came back to Beijing. From there I took for
Pakistan.