The Chinese Consul General, Yang Yundong, emphasized the critical role of media in enhancing Pak-China relations during a dinner hosted for the office bearers of the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) at the Chinese Consulate in Karachi. He acknowledged the limited exposure many Pakistanis have had to China and expressed optimism about increasing opportunities for cultural and informational exchanges. “Today we are happy to host you all friends at the Consulate for Chinese dinner, and my heartiest greetings to Mr. Sarmad Ali on becoming a Senator.
Unfortunately, many Pakistanis have not visited China. We acknowledge Pakistan’s support for China in all forums, it is the significance of our friendship. China is developing very fast, and the change is many a times a pleasant surprise for working diplomats of China, when they travel back home,” said Yang Yundong. Yang stressed the importance of media exchanges between the two countries, noting that APNS could play a significant role in bridging the informational gap. He highlighted the importance of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which focuses on agriculture, industrial cooperation, and trade to enhance Pakistan’s export capabilities and improve livelihoods at the grassroots level. Leading the APNS delegation, Secretary General and Senator Sarmad Ali Khan echoed the importance of Chinese investment in various sectors of Pakistan, including agriculture, mining, and hospitality. He emphasized the development needs of Gwadar, particularly its infrastructure and connectivity, to maximize its potential. “Gwadar needs to be developed as a city in such, the new airport will provide more opportunities in increasing connectivity.
Development of land and hotels is also required in Gwadar. Some Chinese media have their office in Islamabad the likes of ‘People’s Daily’, ‘Xinhua News Agency’, and more presence is expected,” stated Sarmad Ali Khan. He also recognized China as a steadfast ally of Pakistan, recounting his own experiences and the strong bond between the two nations.
“Chinese people have a special place for Pakistan in their heart and they call us Iron Brother ‘Batie’. As China is now the biggest manufacturer of EV vehicles, it is progressing rapidly in cutting edge technology, and the second phase of CPEC will play a pivotal role in Pakistan’s success in exports and trade.” The event was attended by Deputy Consul General Zhang Hao, APNS Finance Secretary Shahab Zuberi, Dr. Tanvir CE, Shamsi, Kazi Asad Abid, Younis Mehar, Athar Kazi, Kazi Sajjad Abassi, M. Bilal Farooqui, Zahid H. Karani, Mustafa Karani, Yousuf Karani, and other consulate officials.
The APNS delegation expressed their gratitude to Yang Yundong and his colleagues for their warm hospitality and the delightful Chinese cuisine, underscoring the mutual respect and friendship between the two nations.
