A journey of hopes, emotions and feelings a journey of excitement and the moment of turning dreams into reality. These were the mixed emotions and sentiments in my heart when I was leaving home to travel to Xinjiang, China.
Xinjiang is that region about which I had already conducted research before visiting. The reason was the baseless propaganda spread by the United States and India. For a long time, the U.S and particularly European countries, have been engaged in this propaganda because today the Muslim population in the world has reached 1.9 billion and China is considered among the friendly nations of the Muslim world that preach peace. To create hatred between Muslims and China, the U.S. and its allies have always been at the forefront. In South Asia too, India has long been engaged in propaganda. One of the main reasons is linguistic similarities Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and beyond, in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar, these languages are understood to some extent. That is why Indian Hindi and English channels became tools of European propaganda.
According to the 2020 census, the total population of Xinjiang is 25.85 million, of which 11 million are Uyghurs. Xinjiang shares its borders with several countries Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Mongolia and Tajikistan. Geographically, to the north lies Russia, to the northeast Mongolia, to the northwest Kazakhstan, to the west Afghanistan, and to the southwest Pakistan and India. Its total area is approximately 1.6 million square kilometers and its capital and largest city is Ürümqi. Xinjiang consists of 99 counties and about 1005 towns. Its 76 km border also touches Afghanistan through the Wakhan Corridor.
In April, I was informed by the Chinese Embassy that I would be sent to Xinjiang. For this, I am deeply grateful to the Chinese Embassy, especially to one very active diplomat, Liuchang whose role in strengthening Pakistan-China friendship is essential and undeniable. Finally, in September, after fulfilling all visa requirements, I was scheduled to depart from Islamabad to Ürümqi on September 8 at 9:40 a.m. via China Southern Airlines.
The three-hour journey from Islamabad to Ürümqi took us over the majestic peaks of K2 and Gilgit. The aircraft flew above the Karakoram International Highway, a symbol of Pak-China friendship. The world’s second-highest peak and the eighth wonder of the world remind every traveler of the strong and everlasting story of Pak-China friendship. This road, carved through Rocky Mountains, is a symbol of peace and brotherhood. The rocks, the road and their connection are symbols for how fraternity and love have been transformed into lasting friendship.
With all these thoughts, a positive image of Xinjiang already existed in my heart, as I had written research papers and articles on the region earlier. Moreover, Pakistani traders and students had told me that the environment there was peaceful and that its culture, food, and traditions were quite similar to those of Gilgit. With these feelings, I finally arrived at Ürümqi Airport. After immigration, the first task was to collect luggage and step outside. My heart was eager to catch the first glimpse of this historic city and region.
Outside, a luxurious car awaited to welcome the international guests. Along with me was a representative of a think tank from Australia. During the 45-minute journey, we had a light discussion on international relations. When we reached the beautiful Kunlun Hotel a magnificent building whose Chinese-style decor immediately captured the heart.
Upon arrival, it became very clear that China leaves no stone unturned in hospitality. A warm welcome was given, followed by a courteous discussion by the hosts on the importance of Pakistan-China friendship.
Quickly, a pleasant and soothing sound surprised me it was the Adhan (call to prayer). For a long time, propaganda had claimed that Muslims in China were deprived of their rights. But the loud and beautiful Adhan was clear evidence that Muslims here live according to Islamic principles and China ensures the protection of their rights. China is a peace-loving country that has never attacked any religion, sect, or nation. It carries the message of peace for the world and this was reflected in the lives of Xinjiang’s Muslims.
After the Adhan, I shared this beautiful experience with my family, my students and my media friends. Later, we had dinner. I had already tasted Xinjiang’s cuisine in Beijing back in 2023, but once again the fragrance, flavor, and uniqueness of the dishes gave me an opportunity to feel this culture more closely.
After dinner, I decided to go outside. Propaganda has always claimed that there is no freedom here not of religion, expression, thought, or assembly. But that night, when I walked through the streets of Xinjiang, I saw people busy in their work, women managing their shops most of them Muslim women working gracefully. Some elderly women recognized from my attire that I was from Pakistan. With smiling faces, they made a heart sign with their hands a beautiful expression of love for Pakistan-China friendship.
This experience, which I am sharing with my readers, is from September 9, 2025, Monday, my first day in Xinjiang. At night, around the hotel, I saw paved roads, wide passages, clean and organized markets and shops. Everyone was engaged in their work. The music playing inside the shops carried the message that China is a nation of love and peace.
I observed the infrastructure and other development projects, which impressed me greatly. I was delighted to see that Muslims here are in the majority, and that this region, through its progress and uniqueness, presents to the world a new and beautiful face of China.
For Pakistan a Muslim country with 99% of its population being Muslims it is indeed a matter of happiness that our strategic partner, our “all-weather friend,” our “iron brother,” China, reflects peace, beauty, and harmony. I felt it necessary to convey these sentiments and experiences to my readers so that people may know the reality.
The United States and Western media cannot tolerate China’s peaceful development; therefore, they constantly spread propaganda that Muslims are unsafe in China. In reality, there is no truth to it. Progress, positive thinking, and the growth of Muslims in Xinjiang are an example for the entire world
The post Beautiful Xinjiang first impression episode one appeared first on The Financial Daily.
