Manglik Siyit, Vice-chairman of the People’s Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China, said on Tuesday that the people of Xinjiang enjoy full religious autonomy, and that the government is supporting religious studies while all religious groups enjoy equal rights of worship which are protected by law.
Addressing the webinar titled “Xinjiang is a wonderful land”, Manglik Siyit said that Xinjiang is also the starting point of the multi-billion-dollar project China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that connects Kashgar with Gwadar port.
Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong, Pakistani Minister for Religious Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri and Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Suri were also present.
“We highly appreciate and welcome diplomats and journalists to visit Xinjiang, report facts from the ground and counter the fake news on Xinjiang issues. We have invited 2000 journalists over few past years who have reported on Xinjiang issues. We reject any investigation based on biased opinions,” Manglik Siyit said.
“Xinjiang is also the touch-point of bilateral trade between China and Pakistan. We believe that the trade between the two brotherly countries would help cement the all-time strategic partnership,” he said. He also mentioned that Xinjiang had sent medical supplies to Pakistan to help fight the pandemic.
From 1999 to 2016, Xinjiang suffered extremism and terrorism. But now, for more than four years, there has been not a single incident of terrorism in Xinjiang as a new era of development has taken roots in the region. “Xinjiang has attained sustainable growth over the past two decades but western media portrays fake news about Xinjiang. We are very happy to see the authoritative release of white paper on Xinjiang’s development,” he said.
A documentary was played to showcase the rich culture of Xinjiang and the steps taken by the Chinese government for the well-being and welfare of the people of Xinjiang.
A Uighur woman told the audiences how she had been radicalised by extremist thoughts that almost ruined her life and business. But now, she owns a good business.
Deputy Speaker of Pakistani National Assembly Qasim Suri lauded Chinese government for pulling over 800 million people out of poverty. He said that China- Pakistan friendship was a model of friendship, but those who wanted to keep this region destabilised now were questioning China for ulterior motives. On a personal note, he had noticed the economic development of the Uygur Muslims during his visit to Xinjiang.
Pakistani Minister for Religious Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri is a frequent visitor to the region since he visited Urumqi in 1996. He said that Xinjiang, rich in culture, history and heritage, had seen a rapid economic growth in past few years and the people of the region had benefited from it.
He said it was heartening to note that the Chinese government had pledged to translate Quran and Hadith into Chinese, Kazakh and other regional languages. He said that the Xinjiang Islamic Institute established by China would help promote Islamic teachings. He said a progressive and prosperous Xinjiang was a guarantee to a prosperous region.
