In China, the people cordially call Pakistani friends "Iron Brother", which means that Pakistan is China's "intimate and reliable friend like iron and steel."
In 2019, 19 Pakistani students including Wajahat, Sohail, Kazim, and Rizwan came to Guangxi Transport Vocational and Technical College to study Chinese language and automobile inspection & maintenance. Although their average age is early 20s, they have clear goals for the future and plan to join China-Pakistan cooperation projects after graduation. Now the four boys have successfully passed the HSK Level 4, the Chinese language test, moving closer to their beautiful vision as a result.
Pakistan is a multi-ethnic Islamic country, which is more than 3,000 kilometers away from Guangxi. More than 95% of Pakistani citizens believe in Islam. With so many differences in culture, religious belief, habit, and custom, could they get used to the life in Guangxi?
There seems no problem for Wajahat, the 22-year-old boy who is outgoing and loves to travel. " The climate in Guangxi is pleasant, very similar to the one of Pakistan, and the scenery is very beautiful." Wajahat said so. Last summer vacation, he traveled to Beihai and was impressed by the scenic coast in Yintan Beach. "The people of Guangxi are always ready to help foreigners." Both natural and cultural environments attract Wajahat so much. He loves this province and is planning his next tour.
For Sohail, the 21-year-old boy, the convenient transport system in Guangxi is the most impressive. “There are shared e-bicycles, subways, and BRTs. It is very convenient to go anywhere in the city”. Sohail aims to polish up his Chinese language competence and wishes to participate in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project after graduation. He will be a translator or devote himself to automobile import and export trade.
For Kazim, the biggest appeals are Chinese civilization and the unique minority culture in Guangxi. He has read a lot of books on Chinese language and culture. In addition, as a big fan of dance, he learned the local dance of the Guangxi Zhuang nationality. He often practices Chinese Kung Fu fan dance with other Pakistani students.In 2021 he gave the performance with 3 boys in the third annual meeting of China-ASEAN Transport Vocational Education Alliance.
The year 2021 marked the 70th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. Rizwan, the class monitor who is concerned about current affairs, has his own understanding of China-Pakistan cooperation. He believes that as the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor enters a new stage, it will facilitate Pakistan’s industrial and infrastructure development. "I feel very honored to come to study in Guangxi, China", Rizwan cherishes the opportunity to study in China.
The Pakistani students have halal eating habits. For this reason, the college has set up a halal window in the cafeteria and specially equipped them with a kitchen in the living area. On weekdays, the students can make Pakistani "home cooking"——flatbread in the kitchen.
"In Guangxi I feel like I was at home!" Kazim's heartfelt words were also the feeling of those "Iron Brother".
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8RzAsbx04M
Producer Liu Bo
Director Li Tinghua Zhu Jinli
Producer Yang Xiuqiong
Planner Xie Xiwei
Cameraman Xie Xiwei Liu Zheng Lu Junwen Chen Xiaojun
Post producer Xie Xiwei
scriptwriter Xie Xiwei Chen Xiaojun
Thanks for: Guangxi Transport Vocational and Technical College
Source: Contemporary Guangxi Magazine
