ISLAMABAD – A new chapter in Pakistan-China friendship is opening with the second phase of CPEC gaining momentum, raising fresh hopes for more jobs, stronger businesses and greater economic opportunities for people across Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to deepening ties with China, describing the relationship as “excellent” and calling China Pakistan’s “iron brother.”
Addressing a ceremony marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the prime minister said CPEC Phase II was progressing rapidly and could give a significant push to Pakistan’s economic development.
For Pakistan, the next phase is expected to focus on areas that can directly shape people’s economic prospects, including industrialisation, agriculture, information technology, science and technology, energy and the development of Gwadar as a regional trade hub.
Shehbaz Sharif said the expanded cooperation could accelerate industrial growth, create employment opportunities and strengthen the country’s economic foundations.
The prime minister also praised China’s remarkable economic and technological progress under President Xi Jinping and extended his congratulations and best wishes to the Chinese leadership and people.
He said the friendship between the two countries had survived the test of time and remained based on mutual trust, cooperation and a shared vision of prosperity.
CPEC has already transformed Pakistan’s infrastructure landscape, while its next phase aims to place greater emphasis on production, investment, technology and economic activity.
The vision is particularly significant for Pakistan’s young population, as greater industrial and technological cooperation could create new avenues for employment, skills development and entrepreneurship.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, speaking at the ceremony, said Pakistan and China were celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations, describing the milestone as a reflection of the strength and durability of their partnership.
He said the two countries remained “all-weather strategic cooperative partners” and continued to support each other on issues of core national interest.
Jiang also welcomed improvements in Pakistan’s economic situation and appreciated the government’s efforts to stabilize the economy. He praised Pakistan’s contribution to regional peace and stability.
The ambassador said the relationship still had vast potential, particularly in trade, investment, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
The ceremony, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, federal ministers, diplomats and senior officials, ended with renewed commitments to expand cooperation.
For Pakistan, the message from the event was clear: the next chapter of the Pakistan-China partnership is increasingly focused on turning friendship and investment into economic opportunities, jobs and a more prosperous future for the people.
