BEIJING, July 6 (APP): Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Intikhab Alam (Zhang Shixuan), the former Editor-in-Chief of the Urdu edition of China Pictorial, describing him as an outstanding Urdu scholar, poet, translator, and one of China’s most devoted friends of Pakistan.
In a condolence message issued on behalf of the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, Ambassador Hashmi paid tribute to Zhang’s lifelong dedication to the promotion of the Urdu language and literature, saying his work helped build enduring bridges of understanding between the peoples of Pakistan and China.
The ambassador highlighted Zhang’s landmark translation of renowned Pakistani poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s Nuskha Hae Wafa (Collected Works) into Chinese, calling it a monumental literary achievement that introduced one of Pakistan’s greatest poets to a wider Chinese readership.
He also praised Zhang’s contributions as an accomplished Urdu poet, noting that his own poetry reflected a profound love for the language and its rich literary heritage.
Ambassador Hashmi said Zhang’s unwavering commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China friendship, coupled with his warmth, humility, and deep affection for Pakistan, earned him the admiration and respect of all who knew him.
“On behalf of the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and countless admirers. We share in their grief and honor the memory of a remarkable man whose legacy will continue to inspire generations in both Pakistan and China,” the ambassador said.
Concluding his message, Ambassador Hashmi prayed for the departed soul, saying, “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Zhang Shixuan, widely known by his Urdu name Intikhab Alam, is remembered for his exceptional contributions to Urdu scholarship, literary translation, and his decades-long role in promoting cultural and literary exchanges between Pakistan and China. His work leaves behind a lasting legacy in advancing mutual understanding and strengthening the enduring friendship between the two countries.