Xinjiang (PEN): In a recent visit to Xinjiang Province in China, journalists have observed a different perspective on the life of Uyghur Muslims, countering widespread allegations of forced labor. They report that the Uyghur population is experiencing a period of prosperity, with abundant job opportunities, professional training initiatives, and substantial municipal developments. This observation was made during a visit to the “Jiashi Drinking Water Safety Engineering Project.”
Moiz Farooq, executive editor at Pakistan Economic Net and Daily Ittehad Media Group highlighted two critical observations from the visit. He noted the peaceful and content lives of the Uyghur Muslims under the leadership in the region. It was mentioned that the Uyghur community, comprising 98% of Kashgar’s population, has been central to the socio-economic development in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
Jiashi County, once struggling with a lack of safe drinking water, saw a transformation with the Chinese government’s support. The drinking water project, completed in 2019, significantly improved living standards and aided in poverty alleviation. The project director, Han Huskies, emphasized its role in boosting the local economy and ecology conservation. This shows how well Xinjiang is being managed by the Chinese authorities and cancels out the western propaganda.
The drinking water solution has led to economic growth in Jiashi, notably in the catering and tourism sectors. Local Uyghur Muslims have benefited from employment in the project, with many workers and officials being from the Uyghur community. The impact of China’s vocational education and training centers was also highlighted, equipping Uyghurs with modern skills suitable for various job roles.
Another significant development is the Jiashi County Yuejia Plum Industrial Park, which provides employment to the local Uyghur community and contributes to the area’s plum production. Contrary to claims of forced labor in the West, the Pakistani journalist observed Uyghur workers at the industrial park working willingly under favorable conditions.
In terms of religious freedom, Uyghur Muslims report experiencing no restrictions. A local Uyghur, Mr. Mehmat, shared his experience of practicing Islam freely, including praying at the Etigar Mosque in Kashgar. The mosque’s Imam also refuted claims of oppression, stressing the freedom and security Uyghur Muslims enjoy, including in their religious practices.
The visit by journalists to Kashgar in Xinjiang reveals a narrative contrary to widespread allegations, showcasing the Uyghur Muslims’ prosperity, freedom, and active participation in the region’s socio-economic development.