Pakistani-Chinese workers working for bilateral relationship

LAHORE   –  “I was very lucky to meet Mr Sun, a Chinese engineer who helped build Pakistan in the 1990s. He taught me a lot of things, such as mechanical maintenance and Chinese,” Manzoor Ali recalled his fond memories in 1993 when he first met Mr Sun. This also marked the beginning of his close bonds with China.

Twenty-eight years later, Manzoor has grown into an excellent mechanic engineer and works for China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) at the open-pit coal mine project in Block 2 of Thar Coalfield, Pakistan. In January 2021, Manzoor was awarded the medal of “Outstanding Pakistani Employee” of CPEC by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan due to his outstanding performance at work. The qualities of Manzoor can be summed up with two phrases: a man of multiple skills, and an expert on China.

In February 2017, Manzoor started out as an excavator driver at the Block 2 open-pit coal mine project of Thar Coalfield of CMEC. Gradually, he displayed excellent skills in operating bulldozers, loaders, trailers and forklifts, repairing machines, and most importantly speaking Chinese. Such versatility amazed his Chinese colleagues and seniors.

His achievements are boiled down to his insatiable appetite for learning. In 2021, the 45-year-old worker still tries to increase his repertoire of Chinese and mechanical knowledge. His high mechanical maintenance techniques and fluent Chinese have drawn widespread praise.

The diligent worker serves as an interpreter for Chinese and Pakistani engineers on site. Sometimes, Manzoor would introduce the Pakistani culture to the Chinese engineers. This way, Manzoor helps build a friendship bridge between Chinese and Pakistani personnel.

At work, Manzoor has shown his deep love for mechanics. This affection may have its roots in his family because his father and his uncle are both mechanical engineers. “I feel so proud to do this job and my family is happy. My home is in Hyderabad, but I can’t leave Thar now because there is work I love and Chinese masters I admire!”, said Manzoor. The Chinese and Pakistani workers have brought China-Pakistan friendship to a new level. As the flagship project of “Belt & Road” initiative, Thar Coal Mine could not have been constructed without the pioneering spirit of Chinese miners, as well as the firm support of Pakistani people and employees. CMEC has employed as many as 1,600 Pakistani workers, many of whom are as hardworking as Manzoor and have made great contributions to CPEC.