GILGIT, Mar.12(INP): The students, teachers, and officials of Karakoram International University paid tribute to the martyrs of the Karakoram Highway(KKH) at the Chinese Memorial Cemetery aka ‘China Yadgar’ in Danyore, Gilgit Baltistan. The event was organized by the China Study Centre (CSC) International Office, Confucius-Set, and School of Professional Development and Education (SPDCE) to pay tribute to the engineers and workers who lost their lives during the construction of KKH, a route that connects the two brotherly nations. During the event, participants laid flower wreaths over the graves of Chinese martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the construction of KKH, also known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Senior officials from CSC, SPDEC, and Director of Public Relations at KIU, Amjad Ali, participated in the event. 

They spoke about the importance of KKH, Sino-Pak relations, and the role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the economic development of Pakistan. Dr. Khalid Mehmood Alam, Assistant Professor at CSC, KIU, discussed the historical perspective of KKH. Fifty-four Chinese individuals are buried in the cemetery. “Due to the sacrifices of Chinese and Pakistani workers, today both countries are connected,” said Mr. Mahmood, adding that China and Pakistan were always together in grief and happiness. Dr. Sajjad Haider remarked that the sacrifices of the Chinese martyrs would always be remembered. He highlighted that the journey, which began with the construction of KKH, has continued to evolve.  Today, KKH stands as an integral part of CPEC, creating economic opportunities and improving the lives of people in both nations. KKH, also known as the China-Pakistan Friendship Highway, is a 1,300-kilometer highway that stretches from Hasanabdal in Punjab to GB in Pakistan and further extends into China.  Constructed between 1966 and 1977, KKH stands as a symbol of the strong bond between China and Pakistan.  Tragically, the construction claimed the lives of 692 Pakistanis and 108 Chinese workers, highlighting the sacrifices made to create this vital route of connectivity and friendship  Gwadar Pro reported.

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