There is a new cultural wave afoot in Pakistan because of the much-flaunted China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
In a complex Pakistani society, arranged marriages gave way to internet marriages a few years ago. Now, we have a new phenomenon that is making headlines. It’s when the Chinese and Pakistanis marry each other. Our news headlines are calling it ‘CPEC marriages’.
When the first such marriage was reported, it was taken as a beginning of new bond between the two absolutely divergent cultures. More than two-and-a-half dozen TV cameras captured the wedding and its festive moments, which were aired repeatedly. Social media also chipped in with cheer and sarcasm.
There is a new cultural wave afoot in Pakistan. You visit the big cities, small towns and even the remote areas — the new faces that you will see these days are not Americans or Afghans, but Chinese. This transition has come about in less than half a decade, in the wake of the much-flaunted China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
CPEC’s economic and strategic promise is extravagant – it is not just a “game changer” but a “fate changer”, some say. But the debate is largely dominated by geo-political insights. The socio-cultural repercussions of the Chinese initiative in Pakistan are scarcely mentioned or analysed.
A decade earlier, Pakistani super store shelves had little space for noodles, pickled kelp and sauces. Today, Chinese spices occupy sizeable space even in small street shops. Restaurants that don’t serve Chinese cuisine are considered outdated. Chinese culture is making inroads into the ever-amenable Pakistani society.
Mandarin has replaced English as the language of opportunity in Pakistan now. The Chinese language is getting strong attention and Confucius Institutes in universities are imparting Chinese history and cultural courses. These institutes are also attracting decent numbers of students from all over the country. National University of Modern Languages’ (NUML) Confucius Institute alone enrolled over 450 students in 2017. Likewise, Peshawar University will also get a Confucius Institute this year with an aim to offer Chinese language and cultural courses. Activities at these Confucius Institutes go beyond merely learning the language. They also organise several cultural events, such as Chinese lantern festivals and monkey year. The institute at NUML also launched two Chinese-language FM radio stations that broadcast from Islamabad (FM 104.6) and Lahore (FM 95).
Prior to rejuvenated Sino-Pak economic ties, Pakistan’s national TV channel PTV used to air a short bilingual anthem in both Urdu and Chinese language, which was telecast every time dignitaries visited each other. The national broadcaster no longer waits for official visits, but the anthem is now aired daily.
When private TV channels are so obsessed with Urdu-dubbed Turkish dramas these days, PTV goes with the Chinese dubbing option. One of the most popular modern Chinese drama series, Beijing Youth, is telecast on PTV in the prime-time evening slot. A short documentary showcasing the benefits of CPEC projects is also televised across the PTV Network (eight channels consisting of news, entertainment, and sports) several times a day.
Apart from the Shan Foods TV ad, there was also Lollywood’s road trip Urdu movie last year titled Chalay Thay Sath, featuring a cross-border love story. It didn’t do very well, but it kick-started future China-Pakistan joint film productions.
After the successful completion of CPEC Cultural Caravan Festival at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in February, the ministry of planning, development, and reform has arranged a special three-day cultural extravaganza in Karachi this month to celebrate the CPEC summit and special friendship. The event includes Tang dynasty songs and dance performances, which would take the audience back to ancient China.
Debating CPEC has equally become a fad among ordinary Pakistanis at social gatherings now. In fact, it has replaced the previously favourite political chat topics such as Americans in Afghanistan, Indians in Kashmir and Trump in action.
The critics of CPEC use phrases like ‘Chinese neo-colonialism’ to describe the new wave. But they don’t recognise the fact that China has barely attempted to subjugate foreign territories or built any colonies outside its borders.
The Chinese economic manoeuvring that has also unleashed a new cultural wave poses serious challenges to the already ethnically vulnerable Pakistani society. Around 27 languages are on the verge of extinction, according to a UNESCO report, but the government finds no harm in promoting Chinese.
The overflow of cultural influences may end up mirroring the proverb: ‘Kawwa Chala Hans Ki Chaal’ (He who apes others will never be himself).
The author teaches international relations at the University of Gujrat, Sialkot Campus, Pakistan. He tweets @DaimFazil.
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There is hope then. Pakistans ruling class – politician, military etc obsession with Hindustan, Arabistan, and Englishstan will be replaced by the no non sense Chinese. Good, this needs to be encouraged. Fact that Chinese people are non-believers, don’t believe in The Prophet and his words, loves pork like anything, etc should not be a problem. Just imagines a situation, the whole of Pakistan is just like that, all the attributes of Chinese civilizational ethos, The world would be a better place to live.
The Pakistani rulers are desperately clutching on to every straw that floats by given the deplorable state of their finances. The Americans and the Saudis have deserted them so now they’ve sold their country to the Chinese.
It is splendid idea to have matrimonial diplomacy . China and Pakistan will now be connected by blood relations not only by business. Wishing them good luck
Love Jihad goes Chinese way.
Strangely dis same presstitutes had some words against Modi our pm n nw this presstitutes flauntly showcasing the pak china relation..
Good;;? Let them eat Manchurian and forget enemity with us.
Looks like Pakistan is on its way to becoming fully Chinese and leave Islam behind for the lyre of money! As for the huge debt anyway Pak is bankrupt and stays alive on Arab and US alms! The day they stop, all the women in the country won’t pay for the interest on the loans! Ha ha ha!
We will see 4feet pathan in future
Ironically, Pakistan was a part of India when the East India Company rampaged her for decades of decades.
If you never really learn from your history, then in reality, there is no present itself. Never worship the devil, for he grants you your wishes fast… But you might lose everything you love in return!
Way to go my fellow men… In such a case as yours, India would never have to face you at her borders for more… You will disintegrate by yourself!
CPEC marriages will do Pakistan a great deal of good to moderate their genes to curtail some aggression and to improve future generations stock. Wish them all well.
So Sweet ‘n Sour pork and Beef biriyani, both on the same wedding buffet then
So, as expected paki(poriki)Stan has slowly eaten up by dragon, and in few days it will become a province of China.
They new offspring sir name should be “Chinfku”.
Whole world is simply copying others,may this usker the much needed development in the new PakChin
Absolutely rediculous and preposterous Somebody needs to stop smoking pot while writing articles
Congrats to Pakistan on becoming a modern economy quickly and ahead if India. Good to see them leverage Chinese investments well for marriages and business.
Not everything me is good. Not everything them is bad. Perhaps China’s influence will bring about a Pakistan which many moderates there in couldn’t usher in.