Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said that Pakistan-China friendship has remained strong and steady for the past 75 years, describing it as a relationship that has “never seen a moment of autumn” and has continued to grow on the foundations of trust, cooperation, and shared goals. He made these remarks while addressing a cultural event held at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. The event was jointly organized by the Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, UNI International, the Pakistan-Chinese Education Association, and other partner organizations. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Deputy Head of Mission of the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad Shi Yuanqiang also attended the event. Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan and China had developed into “all-weather strategic partners” and “iron brothers” who have consistently supported each other in both difficult and peaceful times. He said the friendship between the two countries continues to grow stronger with each passing year, comparing it to a relationship that remains in the “season of spring” throughout. “Our friendship is higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the sea, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel,” he said, adding that the bond had now reached even greater heights, as Pakistan’s first astronaut is set to take part in a Chinese space mission in 2026. The minister said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is far more than infrastructure development, describing it as a pathway to shared prosperity and long-term economic transformation. He said CPEC represents the most practical expression of the long-standing friendship between the two countries. “CPEC is a bridge of development and a strong symbol of our time-tested brotherhood,” he said, adding that the initiative has opened new opportunities in energy, transport, industry, and connectivity under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Recalling the launch of CPEC in 2013, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan was then facing severe energy shortages and security challenges. He said China stepped forward at a time when few others were willing to invest in Pakistan. “When no one was ready to invest in Pakistan, China invested billions of dollars to help us overcome the energy crisis,” he said, adding that China has always stood by Pakistan as more than a partner—truly an “iron brother.” He also paid tribute to Chinese engineers and workers involved in development projects across Pakistan, especially those working on CPEC-related initiatives. He noted that many Chinese professionals have spent years away from their families while contributing to Pakistan’s development. Referring to the Dasu hydropower project incident, the minister shared that a Chinese project manager returned to Pakistan despite concerns from his family after a terrorist attack. “He told his family that Pakistan is his second home and that he must return to fulfil his duty,” Ahsan Iqbal said, calling it a powerful example of trust and friendship between the two nations. The minister emphasized the importance of cultural exchanges, youth engagement, and people-to-people contact in strengthening bilateral relations. He said cultural ties, art, and youth interaction are the “true heart” of Pakistan-China relations beyond economic cooperation. “Economic corridors are built with concrete and steel, but the corridors of the future are built through hearts and minds,” he said. He added that the cultural event highlighted the shared traditions, respect, and friendship between the two countries and would help younger generations carry forward this legacy. Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan aims to become a regional hub of trade, transit, and connectivity, with Gwadar Port playing a key role as an economic gateway for the region. He said cooperation under BRI and CPEC reflects a broader vision of regional development, connectivity, and South-South cooperation. At the end of the ceremony, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, China’s Deputy Head of Mission Shi Yuanqiang, and Federal Minister Attaullah Tarar jointly cut a cake to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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