ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China on Tuesday reaffirmed their long-standing strategic partnership and commitment to expanding cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) at a seminar marking 75 years of bilateral relations.
The event highlighted the trajectory of Pakistan-China relations as the speakers emphasized continued collaboration in economic development, regional connectivity and global governance frameworks.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan had returned from China with a renewed commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties. He said the Global Governance Initiative, introduced under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, had produced meaningful results in a short span of time.
He stated that CPEC had played a key role in deepening people-to-people contact between the two countries and strengthening bilateral relations over the years. “These 75 years demonstrate that Pakistan-China friendship is all-weather and time-tested. It has only grown stronger with time,” he said, adding that Pakistan remained committed to the relationship “today, tomorrow and forever.”
Pakistan envoy lauds CPEC impact, supports Global Governance Initiative
Pakistan’s Ambassador Khalid Mahmood described the Global Governance Initiative as an important framework promoting sovereign equality and people-centred development.
He said Pakistan-China cooperation was most visibly reflected in CPEC, which has contributed to development across multiple sectors and helped address long-standing economic and infrastructural challenges in Pakistan. He added that as CPEC moves into its second phase, its expansion into diversified sectors is expected to further support regional development and economic growth.
CPEC 2.0 to focus on mining, agriculture: Jiang Zaidong
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to its longstanding partnership with Pakistan, saying the two countries share an “all-weather friendship” built on mutual trust and historical ties.
The ambassador said the relationship between Pakistan and China should be viewed as a bond “forged by the forefathers” and strengthened through continued high-level exchanges in the modern era. He added that the friendship between the two countries remains “second to none,” with Pakistan consistently regarded as a trusted partner.
Highlighting progress under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the ambassador said the project has generated around 260,000 jobs, constructed 510 kilometres of expressways, and brought billions of US dollars in investment to Pakistan. He said these achievements demonstrate China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s capacity for self-development.
He noted that CPEC has played a significant role in contributing to Pakistan’s socio-economic development and broader national growth.
Looking ahead, Jiang Zaidong said CPEC Phase-II would focus on key sectors including mining, agriculture and other areas identified through mutual consensus between the two sides. He also pointed to major ongoing initiatives, including the realignment of the Karakoram Highway and livelihood development projects in Balochistan.
The ambassador further expressed China’s support for Pakistan’s diplomatic and mediation efforts, calling them “challenging yet important tasks” that deserve appreciation.
Ahsan Iqbal says space mission, CPEC expansion reflect strong Pakistan-China ties
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan-China relations have consistently strengthened over the past 75 years, describing the partnership as “unique and time-tested” with no downturns in its trajectory.
Ahsan Iqbal said the friendship between Pakistan and China has “grown stronger every year” and continues to expand in scope and depth.
He remarked that while the relationship has long been described as “higher than the Himalayas,” recent developments show it is now “set to reach even greater heights,” noting that with Chinese support, Pakistan’s first astronaut is expected to travel into space this year — a milestone he termed a reflection of the evolving partnership.
Recalling the early stages of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the minister said the process gained momentum after the 2013 visit of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China, during which the initial memorandum of understanding for CPEC was signed.
He said what began as a conceptual framework was quickly transformed into a practical roadmap, which was further solidified during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2015, when CPEC Phase-I was formally launched. He added that the initiative advanced rapidly due to strong commitment from both sides.
Ahsan Iqbal noted that by 2017–18, CPEC had become a globally recognised development brand, reflecting its growing economic and strategic importance.
He said Pakistan has now reaffirmed its commitment under CPEC Phase-II, which focuses on five major corridors: growth, livelihoods, innovation, green development, and openness. He explained that these corridors aim to promote economic expansion, rural development, job creation, technological advancement, climate resilience and regional connectivity.
The minister added that the CPEC framework aligns with Pakistan’s broader “5Es” development strategy under Uraan Pakistan, reinforcing a shared vision of sustainable growth.
He stressed that development in the Global South requires regional peace and stability, adding that the Global Governance Initiative offers a pathway toward cooperation, prosperity and global balance.
Outlining key principles of the initiative, he said it is based on sovereign equality, adherence to international rule of law, commitment to multilateralism, a people-centred approach and delivery of tangible results.
He said these guiding principles reflect a vision of a more peaceful and prosperous global order, which the international community should collectively pursue.
