Report by Syed Farzand Ali
A high-level Pakistani religious delegation led by Maulana Muhammad Asim Makhdoom has arrived in China on an official invitation from the Chinese government.
The delegation is expected to participate in a series of religious, cultural and diplomatic events aimed at strengthening ties between Pakistan and China and promoting interfaith understanding and cultural cooperation.
According to organizers, several members of the Kul Masalik Ulema Board are accompanying Maulana Asim Makhdoom during the visit.
The delegation’s itinerary includes official meetings, visits to religious sites, participation in cultural festivals and discussions on religious harmony and bilateral cooperation.
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On May 17, the Pakistani delegation is scheduled to visit the Xinjiang Museum and meet community leaders in Urumqi.
The meetings are expected to focus on cultural exchange, religious coexistence and strengthening people-to-people relations between Pakistan and China.
The delegation will attend special ceremonies on May 18 marking the 70th anniversary celebrations of Xinjiang’s regional autonomy as guests of honor.
The schedule also includes participation in a special exhibition, a visit to Urumqi’s central mosque and meetings with local Muslim scholars and religious leaders.
Chinese officials are expected to brief the delegation on social development, cultural preservation and religious activities in the region.
The Pakistani delegation is also expected to meet China’s vice foreign minister in Urumqi.
Discussions during the meeting are likely to cover topics including religious harmony, cultural diplomacy, bilateral cooperation and strengthening ties between Islamabad and Beijing.
Observers say such exchanges reflect growing collaboration between Pakistan and China beyond economic and strategic partnerships, particularly in the areas of cultural and religious engagement.
On May 19, delegation members will attend ceremonies at Urumqi Airport, visit the Yangsi Temple and participate in events hosted by Tianshan Textile Company.
The following day, the delegation will travel to Kashgar to participate in a cultural festival and visit Kashi Jianguo Agricultural Company Limited.
On May 21, the group is scheduled to visit villages in the Kashgar region and attend an event at the historic Id Kah Mosque, one of China’s most well-known Islamic landmarks.
The delegation is also expected to meet religious leadership in Kashgar and tour the memorial hall in the city’s ancient town area.
Analysts say the visit highlights the growing depth of Pakistan-China relations, which increasingly include cultural, educational and religious engagement alongside economic cooperation under major regional initiatives.
The tour is also expected to enhance dialogue between Pakistani religious scholars and Chinese Muslim communities while promoting mutual understanding and diplomatic goodwill.
