URUMQI, Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (WNP): A representative delegation comprising prominent Pakistani religious scholars, spiritual leaders, academics and social figures has arrived in Urumqi, Xinjiang, on an official visit to China for promoting religious diplomacy, intercultural dialogue and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and China.

The delegation is led by Chairman of the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority, Khurshid Nadeem, and is visiting China at the special invitation of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Religious Diplomacy Program of the International Research Council for Religious Affairs.

Members of the delegation include Member of the Provincial Assembly Ahmad Kundi, Pir Muhammad Anwar Junaid of Ghamkol Sharif, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (S) Ameer Maulana Abdul Haq Sani, Mufti Imran Ashraf Usmani, son of renowned Islamic scholar Mufti Taqi Usmani, Deputy Rector of Jamia Imdadia Faisalabad Mufti Muhammad Zahid, Director General of the Dawah Academy Professor Dr. Ilyas, Principal of Jamia Darul Salam Bannu Maulana Qari Ataullah Shah Tahsini, former Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University Professor Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum, Professor Dr. Aamir Raza of the University of Peshawar, and Al-Haj Noor Habib.

During the first day of the visit, the delegation toured several Islamic and cultural centers in Urumqi, including the historic Grand Bazaar, where members observed local cultural traditions and interacted with representatives of the Muslim community.

The delegation appreciated the ongoing development and modernization initiatives in Xinjiang and acknowledged the participation and contribution of Muslims in the region’s social and economic life.

Speaking on the occasion, members of the delegation emphasized the importance of religious diplomacy in further strengthening the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China. They stressed the need for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between religious scholars of both countries and extended an invitation to Chinese scholars to visit Pakistan.

The delegation described scholarly exchanges, mutual visits and sustained communication between religious leaders as important tools for promoting mutual understanding, religious harmony and stronger bilateral relations.

During their visit, the Pakistani delegation is scheduled to travel to several Chinese cities, including Urumqi, Yining and Beijing, where they will meet government officials, religious leaders, academics and representatives of various social and cultural institutions.

Officials associated with the Religious Diplomacy Program noted that this is the fifth Pakistani delegation to visit China under the initiative. They expressed confidence that the program would continue to produce positive long-term outcomes and play an important role in promoting religious harmony, intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries.

The organizers also thanked the Chinese government for hosting the program and facilitating exchanges that contribute to strengthening Pakistan-China relations beyond traditional diplomatic and economic cooperation.

Observers view such engagements as an important component of the broader Pakistan-China partnership, helping to deepen cultural, religious and academic ties alongside cooperation in trade, infrastructure and development.