Minister makes his ‘presence’ felt at PILAC event

LAHORE, March 29: A provincial minister, living up to his reputation of acting brashly, twice interrupted a ceremony attended by the Chinese ambassador, as the organisers forgot to announce the 'VIP' was gracing the occasion. The ceremony was held on Tuesday here in connection with the celebration of 60 years of Pak-China Friendship at the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture. The function was left in a bad taste when Punjab Food Minister Chaudhry Abdul Ghafoor first interrupted PILAC Director General Tariq Afridi during his speech and then programme conductor Taniya Sohail in the middle of the ceremony showing his utter displeasure over the organisers not making a special announcement that he (minister) was also present among the audience. Speaking loudly in English in front of Chinese guests, the minister made a noisy protest over 'his presence in the function not being recognised' by the organisers. Earlier, Liu Jian, the Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, said addressing a ceremony: "Pakistan and China always support and trust each other and I hope our relations will grow stronger and our friendship will be a lasting one." The ambassador said PILAC not only promoted art and culture but was also playing the role of a bridge between China and Pakistan through Punjab Jiangsu Cultural Centre. Mr Jian said it was his wish to be appointed an ambassador to Pakistan where he enjoyed his work and life with the support of the government and the people of the country. He said young people of both countries should learn each other's languages, adding that ask any person in China and he would say that China's best friend was Pakistan. DG Tariq Afridi, in his welcome address, threw light on the objectives of the institute and said the Punjab Jiangsu Cultural Center was enhancing trust in Sino-Pak friendship. Mr Afridi said PILAC was also spreading the message of Sufi poets which was peace, tolerance and social equality which were needed badly in the current scenario. A brief performance featuring folk singers and instrumentalists was also presented especially for the Chinese delegation. According to Mr Afridi, despite his request to the authorities concerned no security was provided to the institute for Chinese ambassador's visit. He said neither any special branch official was deputed at the venue, nor the stage was checked for security purpose. He said even scanners were not installed at the entrance of the venue. The only security on the occasion was an Elite Police squad that was escorting the Chinese ambassador, he added.