An era in Pakistan–China literary and cultural relations came to an end with the passing of renowned Chinese Urdu scholar, poet, translator and former Editor-in-Chief of the Urdu edition of China Pictorial, Intikhab Alam (Zhang Shixuan), who passed away in Beijing at the reported age of 93.

Alam devoted his life to the Urdu language and to strengthening the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that transformed literary and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

According to a Gwadar Pro's report, the news of his passing has been widely mourned by diplomats, scholars, writers, students and admirers in Pakistan and China, who remember him as one of the most influential figures in advancing Urdu language and literature in China.

Describing his death as "the end of an era," Pakistan's Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi on Sunday, paid rich tribute to Alam in a message posted on X, saying he dedicated his life to building lasting cultural and literary bridges between the peoples of Pakistan and China.

"His lifelong service to the Urdu language and literature built enduring bridges of understanding between our two peoples," Ambassador Hashmi said.

For more than three decades, Alam played a leading role in advancing Urdu studies and promoting literary and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and China.

He served for 32 years with the Urdu edition of China Pictorial, one of China's leading monthly magazines, where he introduced countless Chinese readers to Pakistan's language, literature and cultural heritage.

In addition to his editorial work, he served as a visiting professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University, where he taught Urdu and introduced generations of Chinese students to the languages, literature and cultural traditions of South Asia.

News of his death has deeply saddened his Pakistani and Chinese students, as well as countless young people who grew up attending his lectures, listening to his poetry recitations and benefiting from his vast knowledge of Urdu literature.

Many remember him as one of China's most devoted admirers and interpreters of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, whose philosophy and poetry he passionately promoted throughout his distinguished career.

Among Alam's most significant literary achievements was his Chinese translation of Nuskha Hae Wafa by celebrated Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz.

The translation is regarded as a landmark contribution that introduced the works of one of Pakistan's greatest literary figures to Chinese readers and further strengthened literary ties between the two countries.

Alam was also an accomplished Urdu poet whose own collection of poetry reflected his profound love for the language and its rich literary heritage.

A passionate advocate of classical Urdu literature, he frequently expressed his admiration for legendary poets including Mir Taqi Mir, Mirza Ghalib and Allama Iqbal, helping make their timeless works accessible to Chinese audiences while inspiring countless young readers and scholars to appreciate the beauty and depth of Urdu poetry.

Throughout his distinguished career, Alam remained committed to deepening cultural understanding through literature, translation, education and people-to-people exchanges.

His warmth, humility, generosity and deep affection for Pakistan earned him the admiration and respect of colleagues, diplomats, scholars and friends in both countries, making him one of the most respected ambassadors of goodwill between Pakistan and China.

On behalf of the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, Ambassador Hashmi extended heartfelt condolences to Alam's family, friends, colleagues and countless admirers.

"We share in their grief and honor the memory of a remarkable man whose legacy will continue to inspire generations in both Pakistan and China," the ambassador said.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China