by Raheela Nazir

Surrounded by lush-green trees, blooming flowers and winding tracks, Islamabad Art Gallery was jammed with art lovers gazing enthusiastically at striking paintings, sculptures, installations and other art pieces with Chinese characters.

The exhibition, named "Star Moon Road, 2023 Pakistan-China Contemporary Art Exchange Exhibition," was held on Monday in the heart of the federal capital Islamabad to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

More than 100 innovative artworks from renowned Chinese and Pakistani artists are being showcased at the exhibition, Amna Shah, an organizer of the event, told Xinhua. Among them, at least 70 art pieces are made by Chinese artists, and Pakistani people are showing great interest in them.

She said that the gallery would be open to the public throughout this month, letting visitors have a broader perception of Chinese art and culture.

While appreciating the works of Chinese and Pakistani artists, Pakistan's Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said that art and culture is the most effective vehicle for engagement between the people of two countries.

"Exchanges in art and culture should be given priority in further cementing the exemplary friendship between China and Pakistan as it brings people of the friendly countries closer to each other," the minister said.

He added that the exchange of ideas through art and culture can also energize the creative economy and play an important part in bringing about peace, progress and harmony in the region.

Aasma Ismayeel Butt, an enthusiastic participant and president of the All Pakistan Chinese Overseas Youth Federation, said that such art events play a key role in further strengthening the deep-rooted friendship with China.

Pakistani people consider China as a friendly neighbor, a time-tested and trusted friend who has always supported Pakistan through thick and thin, Butt told Xinhua.

Under CPEC, a flagship project of BRI, China has helped Pakistan build its road infrastructure and overcome a severe energy crisis by constructing multiple power plants, bringing socio-economic development to the country, she added.

On the occasion, Jamal Shah, former director general of Pakistan National Council of the Arts, said that the two countries are proud custodians of enviable cultures and their mutual relationship goes back hundreds of years.

"We share many common elements in our arts and crafts, music and theatre with China and similarly in the rapidly changing technological world. There is a lot we can learn from the Chinese experience and achievements in the realm of Cinema and artificial intelligence," Shah said.