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Pakistan Studies/To celebrate the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan, President Zhou Yushu of Inner Mongolia Honder College of Arts and Sciences was invited to Beijing on May 6, 2025, to participate in a special cultural event hosted by the Embassy of Pakistan in China.
The event, titled “Iron Brothers Across Time: A Record of China-Pakistan Friendship” Photography Exhibition and the thematic seminar “From Summit Halls to Stories Among the People,” brought together nearly 200 distinguished guests from diplomatic, academic, cultural, educational, media, and social sectors.
Among the attendees were Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, Ambassador Hashmi of Pakistan to China, Wang Liping, Director General of the Department of Asian Affairs of China’s Ministry of Commerce, and representatives from various fields.
The event highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between China and Pakistan, while exploring how cultural exchange, historical research, and people-to-people connections continue to strengthen bilateral relations.
At the seminar “From Summit Halls to Stories Among the People,” President Zhou Yushu delivered a keynote speech focusing on his academic work:
“Research on Ancient Seal Script Symbols of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro: Exploring the Origins of Writing in the Indus Valley Civilization.”
During his presentation, President Zhou introduced the research achievements of his team and shared new perspectives on the study of ancient Indus Valley scripts through interdisciplinary approaches involving archaeology, linguistics, anthropology, and cultural studies.
The book provides a systematic study of ancient seal inscriptions discovered at the sites of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, two of the most important archaeological sites of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Through detailed analysis of 401 relatively complete ancient seals, the research attempts to interpret individual symbols, identify patterns, and explore the possible meanings and cultural significance behind these ancient writings.
The study offers valuable academic references for understanding the development of early writing systems and the cultural achievements of one of the world’s earliest civilizations.
In his keynote speech, President Zhou emphasized the importance of studying ancient civilizations from a global and interconnected perspective.
He explained that deciphering the symbols of Harappan and Mohenjo-daro seals is not only an archaeological issue but also an important topic for understanding the history of human communication, cultural exchange, and the development of early civilizations.
Drawing upon research methods from multiple disciplines, including:
President Zhou presented his team’s research on the origins, evolution, and cultural background of Indus Valley symbols.
He also discussed possible connections between symbolic systems, religious concepts, and cultural expressions found in the Indus Valley Civilization and ancient Chinese cultures, including studies related to the Hongshan Culture of northern China.
Through comparative research on ancient symbols, animal imagery, cultural beliefs, and early human understanding of the world, the research explores broader questions concerning communication among ancient civilizations.
President Zhou noted that the study of ancient scripts and cultural symbols provides new opportunities to understand how civilizations interacted and influenced one another throughout history.
His research examines themes including:
By combining archaeological evidence with interdisciplinary research methods, the study contributes to broader discussions on the development of human civilization and the importance of cultural exchange.
President Zhou emphasized that the history of civilization is not a story of isolated development, but a continuous process of communication, learning, and mutual enrichment among different peoples.
His research provides a new perspective for understanding the relationship between ancient civilizations and supports the concept of promoting dialogue and mutual learning among cultures.
President Zhou Yushu’s presentation received positive feedback from participants.
Ambassador Hashmi of Pakistan to China spoke highly of the book “Research on Ancient Seal Script Symbols of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro: Exploring the Origins of Writing in the Indus Valley Civilization.”
The ambassador noted that people-to-people connectivity is an important foundation of Pakistan-China relations.
He expressed appreciation for the research exploring possible historical and cultural connections between ancient Indus Valley seal symbols and Chinese civilization, describing the work as innovative and meaningful.
He stated that the research added academic depth and cultural significance to the seminar and provided a valuable contribution to strengthening mutual understanding between the peoples of Pakistan and China.
Before the seminar, Ambassador Hashmi also met with President Zhou Yushu and his delegation at the Pakistani Ambassador’s residence in Beijing.
The meeting provided an opportunity for further exchange on academic cooperation, cultural communication, and educational collaboration between China and Pakistan.
The participation of President Zhou and Inner Mongolia Honder College of Arts and Sciences in the event reflects the important role of universities and research institutions in promoting international exchange and strengthening friendship between nations.
As China and Pakistan continue to deepen their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, cultural and academic exchanges remain an essential bridge connecting the hearts of the two peoples.
Through joint exploration of history, civilization, and shared heritage, China and Pakistan are creating new opportunities for mutual understanding and cooperation in the future.
