Just before nightfall, Naghmana A. Hashmi had just finished preparing dinner and decorating a sitting room decorated with traditional Pakistani artworks and handicrafts. It was a Friday evening and her neighbors, women and children living in the Pakistani embassy compound, were gathering in her house for a weekend party.

Being a minister of the Pakistani Embassy in China during office hours, Hashmi is, off work, a wife, mother, and household administrator. That Friday night, she was as busy as any housewife, entertaining friends, giving orders, directing cooks and taking care of children.

When everything was ready, Hashmi turned on the radio and tuned it to a channel broadcasting Pakistani popular music, and said that such gatherings were often held in the embassy compound on the weekend.

Soon, all the invited women, who work for the embassy, or whose husbands or fathers work in the embassy, had arrived. Asia Afrasiah Hashmi, wife of the political councilor, shared her shopping experience with others. As a housewife, she likes her way of life now, shopping, taking care of children, and learning Chinese painting at her leisure. Irram Naz, a student majoring in international relations and history at Beijing University showed the guests her hands, which had been decorated with patterns painted with "henna". Zill-e-Huma Saeed brought to the gathering her two little boys, who had been named after two Chinese great men.

Naghmana Hashmi said that to these women and children, who have been to many places, living in China is a lovely experience as Pakistan and China enjoy an "all-weather" and "time-tested" friendship.

"There is great goodwill for China and the Chinese people in Pakistan," she said. "Pakistan-China friendship has taken root in the hearts of the people of Pakistan, so it is a matter of great honor for us to work and live in this great country and experience this friendship."

She said that although Chinese culture is different from Pakistani culture, both belong to the East. In nearly all Pakistani cities, no matter big or small, there are hints of China, with Chinese markets and many Chinese restaurants. Besides, she said, people in the two countries cherish the same values for the family.

The memorable gathering has not only conveyed some segments of their life in China, but also served as a cultural exchange between Pakistani and Chinese women.

(China Pictorial December 3, 2004)