Business Recorder
LAHORE: Chinese Consul General in Lahore Sun Yan characterised the friendship between Pakistan and China as a symbol of regional peace, strategic trust, and economic progress. “China will continue to play a constructive and positive role in supporting Pakistan’s sovereignty, stability, and development,” he shared these sentiments while addressing a ceremony held on Monday under the auspices of the Punjab Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman represented Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz at the event, while the Chinese Consul General, Sun Yan, served as the guest of honour. The ceremony was attended by provincial ministers Bilal Yasin and Mansha Ullah Butt, PHA Chairman Ghazali Saleem Butt, PHA Managing Director Mansoor Ahmad, senior officials, diplomats, business community members, and a large number of distinguished Pakistani and Chinese guests from various sectors. During his speech, the Consul General noted that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has opened new avenues for cooperation and prosperity for both countries. He praised the impressive progress made in CPEC-related initiatives in Punjab and commended the governance reforms and development-oriented policies implemented by the Punjab government under Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s leadership. He emphasised Punjab’s significant potential as Pakistan’s agricultural and mining hub. Sun Yan acknowledged that proactive initiatives by the Punjab government have further strengthened Pakistan-China relations and expressed confidence in the continued expansion of bilateral cooperation in the future. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman remarked that Pakistan-China relations have developed into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership rooted in mutual trust and unwavering support. He highlighted that Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognise the People’s Republic of China in 1951, establishing a friendship that has successfully weathered various challenges. He emphasised that both nations have consistently supported each other during difficult times, thereby strengthening the bond of trust and solidarity. He stated that China’s confidence in Pakistan has injected fresh momentum into the country’s economy, while CPEC has reshaped Pakistan’s development landscape. Regarding major development initiatives, the Minister pointed to projects such as the expansion of Gwadar Port, motorways, energy projects, agricultural cooperation, and the establishment of Special Economic Zones, asserting that China has remained Pakistan’s most trusted development partner. He noted that under the visionary leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, bilateral relations are entering a new era of economic cooperation and regional connectivity. He added that in the current global and regional context, the Pakistan-China friendship stands out as a beacon of economic stability, peace, and prosperity. The Finance Minister expressed Punjab’s commitment to further developing cooperation with China, noting that Punjab regards China as its most reliable strategic and development partner. He mentioned active collaboration efforts in infrastructure development, agriculture, skills training, mining, and information technology sectors. With optimism about future collaborations, he stated that both countries are poised to achieve new milestones in artificial intelligence, green energy, innovation, and the digital economy. He reiterated that Pakistan fully supports China’s vision of global peace, collective development, and regional harmony, emphasising that friendship with China is a core pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy. During the event, other speakers echoed the sentiments about the enduring nature of Pakistan-China relations and reaffirmed their commitment to elevating this historic partnership. The ceremony also featured vibrant cultural performances that captivated the audience. Pakistani artists performed patriotic songs, while a Chinese orchestra delivered an impressive musical performance, creating a memorable atmosphere of cultural harmony and friendship. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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