Faisal Zahid Malik reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering friendship with China
Zubair Yaqoob Karachi
The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi, Yang Yundong, underscored the importance of Chinese initiatives in Pakistan, emphasizing that these projects are designed with the welfare of the people in mind and aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundations.
Speaking at a meeting with Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Pakistan Observer Group, Faisal Zahid Malik, at the Chinese consulate, Yang noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) serves as a “transformative corridor” that integrates advanced technology for a sustainable, climate-friendly approach. CG Yang expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s warm hospitality, noting that Pakistan feels like a second home for Chinese citizens.
He shared progress updates on CPEC, which, he said, is paving the way for sustainable development and long-term economic growth in Pakistan. Yang highlighted major projects under CPEC, such as the deep-water Gwadar port will emerge as a central hub for maritime trade, supported by a free trade area and special economic zones.
The Karakoram Highway and Karachi-Peshawar railway line upgrades, as well as the construction of new highways, are set to improve connectivity and boost trade. With an infusion of over USD 33 billion in energy infrastructure, including power plants and transmission lines, these projects are expected to address Pakistan’s ongoing energy shortages. Special Economic Zones for manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing will provide tax breaks and business incentives, facilitating industry growth.
The establishment of the China-Pakistan Technical and Vocational Training Institute aims to equip workers with the skills required to support operations at the expanded Gwadar Port. During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed bolstering security for Chinese nationals, promoting cultural exchanges, and exploring scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students in China. They also reviewed visa policies to enhance travel between the two nations. Faisal Zahid Malik reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with China, describing it as a partnership built on trust and mutual support.
The leaders highlighted the need for further media cooperation, person-to-person connections, and tourism exchanges to strengthen ties. CG Yang thanked Faisal Zahid Malik for Pakistan Observer Group’s support in promoting the Pakistan-China partnership and underscored the role of media in fostering greater understanding and collaboration between the two countries.
