Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said that Pakistan’s and China’s recent joint initiatives to promote peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East reflect “shared sense of responsibility as peace loving nations to contribute positively to global security and stability.” He shared these views at the Senate session on Wednesday, as the Upper House of the Parliament passed a unanimous resolution in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. “Our recent joint initiatives to promote peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East reflect our shared sense of responsibility as peace loving nations to contribute positively to global security and stability,” said Dar, who also holds the positions of Leader of the House in Senate, and the Foreign Minister. He said Pakistan “firmly upholds” the One-China principle and supports China on all its core interests. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment to further deepening bilateral cooperation across all domains, including political, economic, strategic, and people-to-people exchanges, and highlighted the shared resolve to carry this iron-clad friendship forward for future generations.” He also welcomed a high-level delegation led by Cai Dafeng, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, at the Parliament House. “Pakistan–China relations, anchored in mutual trust, respect, and shared aspirations, have consistently strengthened over the past 75 years and continue to serve as a cornerstone of regional peace, stability, and development,” he said. “Pakistan and China share a converging vision on regional and global issues. We are committed to upholding the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. In a world facing complex challenges, our coordination at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and other international forums has been vital in defending the interests of developing nations and promoting global peace,” said the DPM. “Over the past seven and a half decades, our relationship has grown from strength to strength into a robust economic and strategic partnership. From the Karakoram Highway to Gwadar Port, the symbols of Pak-China friendship are spread all across Pakistan’s geography,” he added. Regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the lawmaker said, the CPEC stands as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a “shining example of our shared vision for regional connectivity and prosperity.” The DPM said the CPEC has played a key role in transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape. “We look forward to its next phase CPEC 2.0, focusing on industrialisation, agriculture, and socio-economic development. We are confident that the benefits of Pak-China partnership will reach every citizen of Pakistan,” he added. Dar said he will be accompanying Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during his forthcoming State visit to China (23-26 May). During the visit, besides having engagements with the Chinese leadership and business enterprises, the Pakistani side would also be holding meetings of two “very important mechanisms” i.e. Pakistan-China Political Parties Forum; and CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism, DPM Dar said, adding that a “large” multi-party parliamentary delegation from Pakistan will participate in these meetings. Later, Dar presented the resolution before the Senate titled, “Re-affirming China-Pakistan Friendship and Brotherhood” that received the Senate’s unanimous nod. Through the resolution, the Senate appreciated China’s “unyielding support to Pakistan on issues concerning its core interest, and for its steadfast support for Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, as well as its support for Pakistan’s efforts to safeguard national security, stability, development and prosperity.” The document, which was endorsed by several senators, regardless of political divide, reaffirmed Pakistan’s “unyielding support to China on issues concerning its core interest, and reiterates its firm commitment to the One-China principle, and that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China’s territory.” It said Pakistan firmly supports China on issues concerning Xinjiang, Xizang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. Relatedly, Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani welcomed the Chinese delegation at the Parliament House. During the meeting with the visiting delegates, he emphasised that the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China remained a cornerstone for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region. He said that parliamentary exchange and institutional cooperation between the Senate of Pakistan and the National People’s Congress of China were playing a pivotal role in further strengthening bilateral relations. The House was adjourned till today (Thursday). Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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