Chitral -- The ongoing Shandur festival on one of the highest playgrounds of the world  (12000 ft above sea level), this year has a number of new insinuations to it, the first being involvement of Gilgit Baltistan in the management of the festival for the first time, as Shandur has always been under the control of Chitral administratively and territorially.

The second and perhaps more important development is the visible expression of Sino Pak friendship on the occasion, which has been symbolized by the welcome slogan for the Chinese on the cards issued by the Sarhad Tourism corporation which rightfully deserves the credit for rejuvenation of tourism industry in the bullet riddled province.

The people of both Chitral and Gilgit Baltistan welcome the warming up act with China as they consider good relations with neighbours as vital for healthy survival. 'You can change your friends but you can't change your neighbours' said one Chitrali. -- CN report, 07 July 2011.

Comment:1

It is very good to know that Pakistan is getting close to China once again. China is our proven friend and good neighbour. My only advice to the Chinese is that when our leaders ask them for aid (which is a foregone conclusion), Chinese must not give any cash, instead they should execute projects for us themselves and hand over the complete project, instead of giving cash otherwise the cash will disappear in thin air and we would be sitting high and dry as ever.-- Sultan Mehmood, Garam Chashma Chitral, 08 July 2011.

Comment:2

Long live Pak-China Friendship. I would like to urge China not to give our leaders aid but attitude  --Bibi Sultana, AKESP Chitral, 09 July 2011.
 

Comment:3

China offers to Pakistan Electricity for just Rs.200 Monthly flat rate bill per household and unlimited usage of Electricity but our government is not taking the offer seriously. This is because there will be neither kick backs nor any commissions to be pocketed by the strong mafia of politicians and bureaucrats. -- Shoaib Muhamamad, BE Electrical, Sarhad University Peshawar, 09 July 2011.
 

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