PCJCCI Sees Basant as Platform for Tourism Growth and Pakistan-China Cultural Ties

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: The Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) has welcomed the government’s organization of a peaceful and well-coordinated Basant festival, describing it as a positive step toward reviving Pakistan’s cultural heritage while maintaining public safety and social harmony.
In a statement, PCJCCI President Nazir Hussain said the smooth conduct of the festival demonstrated the government’s commitment to promoting cultural activities in a responsible and secure manner. He noted that traditional festivals such as Basant play a significant role in strengthening national identity, boosting tourism, and enhancing Pakistan’s soft image internationally.
“The revival of cultural festivals sends a positive signal to the international community about Pakistan’s stability and cultural openness,” Hussain said.
Senior Vice President of PCJCCI said that with proper planning and institutional support, Basant and similar festivals have the potential to gain international recognition as major cultural landmarks. He emphasized the importance of inviting foreign delegations, artists, and cultural representatives—particularly from China—to enhance people-to-people connections and cultural diplomacy between the two countries.
He added that joint cultural performances, exhibitions, and exchange programs could serve as an effective soft-power bridge, reinforcing Pakistan-China relations beyond economic cooperation.
Vice President Zafar Iqbal highlighted the economic benefits of such cultural events, saying they contribute to social cohesion while stimulating local businesses, artisans, small traders, and the hospitality sector. He suggested that regular and well-managed festivals could complement economic collaboration under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) by fostering tourism development, creative industries, and cross-cultural engagement.
PCJCCI Secretary General Salahuddin Hanif encouraged the government to continue promoting Pakistan’s cultural heritage through safe, inclusive, and professionally managed festivals. He noted that structured cultural exchange programs aligned with Pakistan-China cooperation frameworks could further strengthen mutual understanding and long-term friendship between the two nations.
The Chamber expressed optimism that cultural initiatives would be institutionalized in the future to ensure sustainable and inclusive celebrations, contributing to social harmony, international goodwill, tourism promotion, and broader economic growth.