During a recent exclusive interview, Makhdoom Shehryar Babar, a Pakistani student studying at Beijing Language and Culture University, shared his experience of the warm friendship between Pakistan and China. This year, he also proudly performed at the Spring Festival Gala. Babar spoke enthusiastically about Yunnan’s pleasant climate, expressing a strong wish to live there if given the chance.

Makhdoom Shehryar Babar, a Pakistani student studying at Beijing Language and Culture University

“What I find really interesting,” Babar shared, “is that when I tell people in other countries I’m from Pakistan, there’s usually no strong reaction. But in China, whenever I say I’m from Pakistan, Chinese people always warmly refer to me as ‘Pakistani Iron Bro,’ showing incredible kindness. They give me such a strong sense of home that I completely forget I’m in a foreign land. That’s truly what I love most about China.”

At 24 years old, Babar commenced his studies in a preparatory program for Chinese International Education at Beijing Language and Culture University in September 2023, with intentions to continue for a bachelor’s degree in the same field. In just under two years, he has already explored a wide array of destinations, including Shanghai, Lanzhou, Urumqi, Chengdu, Linyi, and Sanya. Upon learning of his Bangladeshi friend’s travel experience in Kunming, Babar developed a keen appreciation for its mild winter climate and voiced a strong aspiration to reside in Yunnan should the chance arise.

 

Makhdoom Shehryar Babar has a photo with a famed Chinese actor.

Of his many experiences studying in China, Babar considers his participation in the 2025 Spring Festival Gala performance his greatest source of pride. “My friends and I used to only watch the Spring Festival Gala on TV,” he said, “but this time, I was actually on stage. The transformation from audience to performer was incredibly thrilling; I savored every moment.” Babar elaborated that he and his classmates dedicated a full month to rehearsing their dance routine. On the night of the show, as they performed alongside a renowned singer, the accompanying song was released as a brand-new single. Although he encountered numerous celebrities backstage at CCTV, Babar found the collaborative experience of performing with his classmates even more memorable. The university recently honored him further by inviting him to co-host the annual International Culture Festival, an invaluable opportunity he intends to fully embrace.

Babar firmly believes the bond between Pakistan and China is truly unique. “The longer I live in China,” he remarked, “the more I discover the striking cultural similarities between our nations. Even the core values instilled in our youth, such as respecting elders and treating others with humility, align very closely. Pakistan and China share an exceptionally deep friendship, a special relationship truly unparalleled globally.” He also highlighted how many Chinese bloggers in Pakistan now document local life and share it on platforms like Xiaohongshu and Douyin, offering Chinese audiences direct insights into Pakistani daily life. Similarly, numerous Pakistani bloggers in China use their platforms to showcase their experiences, sparking greater interest in China among more Pakistanis.

 

Makhdoom Shehryar Babar joins the crew of a CCTV Spring Festival gala.

To continuously deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries, Babar believes it’s essential to fully utilize online communication while also organizing diverse offline activities to enhance interaction. “I firmly believe that in the years to come,” he asserted, “the ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China will undoubtedly shine even brighter.”

Text by Wang Shixue and Mo Yingyi
Translated by YNTA
Proofreading by Zu Hongbing