Minister outlines govt’s approach to CPEC phase-II

Business Recorder

Minister outlines govt’s approach to CPEC phase-II

ISLAMABAD: Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, has outlined the government’s commitment to CPEC Phase-II, aiming at help Pakistan achieve sustainable development targets in the near future and promote more linkages with China. The Minister was addressing a seminar hosted by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI), in collaboration with Xinhua News Agency, to commemorate “75 Years of Friendship: China-Pakistan Joint Contributions to the Global Governance Initiative and CPEC” at a hotel in Islamabad on Tuesday. He highlighted CPEC as the most visible manifestation of this friendship and a key driver of Pakistan’s socio-economic transformation, contributing to energy security, infrastructure modernization, and enhanced regional connectivity. He reaffirmed CPEC Phase-II priorities under five strategic corridors: Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Green Development, and Opening-Up and Regional Connectivity, emphasizing high-quality and inclusive development. Ahsan Iqbal described Pakistan-China relations as a unique and exemplary strategic partnership built on trust and mutual support. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar, described Pakistan-China relations as an “iron-clad” friendship rooted in mutual trust, shared aspirations, and unwavering support across generations. He noted that the relationship has evolved into a model partnership that continues to deepen in scope and significance. He highlighted CPEC as a transformative initiative contributing to connectivity, development, and prosperity, while stressing the importance of cultural exchanges, media cooperation, and people-to-people contacts in strengthening bilateral ties. Jiang Zaidong, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, in his address, termed the 75th anniversary a major milestone in bilateral relations, underscoring sustained high-level exchanges and deepening strategic trust. He reiterated that CPEC remains the central pillar of Belt and Road cooperation, with significant achievements in energy, infrastructure, investment, and employment generation. He also highlighted its evolution toward high-quality development through expanded cooperation in agriculture, industry, mining, science and technology, and livelihood-oriented initiatives, while reaffirming commitment to global governance principles of multilateralism, sovereign equality, and international law. The seminar brought together federal ministers, senior diplomats, scholars, media representatives, and practitioners from Pakistan and China to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and to reflect on the evolving trajectory of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. In his video message, Fu Hua, President of Xinhua News Agency, extended felicitations to Pakistan and China on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and reaffirmed the enduring strength of the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. He noted that both countries have consistently supported each other through changing international circumstances, setting a model of state-to-state relations based on mutual trust, solidarity, and shared interests. The seminar also featured the presentation of the book “China’s Governance under Xi Jinping’s Leadership (English Edition)”, showcasing China’s governance experience and development trajectory. The seminar concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the enduring Pakistan-China friendship and a shared commitment to advancing high-quality development, deepening regional connectivity, and promoting a more inclusive and equitable international order. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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