ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan-China Friendship Group in Parliament convened its inaugural meeting at the Parliament House, chaired by Senator Sherry Rehman, reaffirming the “all-weather, time-tested, iron-clad friendship” between Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China.
The session brought together senior parliamentarians from across Pakistan and a high-level Chinese delegation led by His Excellency Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan. Opening the meeting, Senator Sherry Rehman warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation, emphasising that the Friendship Group represents “a high-level parliamentary platform dedicated to enhancing our historic and strategic relations with our most trusted friend, China.”
Speaking on behalf of all parliamentary parties and the people of Pakistan, she expressed gratitude for China’s consistent and unwavering support across all facets of national life, extending appreciation to President Xi Jinping for his visionary global and bilateral leadership. “His leadership has been transformative, translating into CPEC Phases 1.0 and 2.0, bringing over $56 billion in investment over the past decade.”
Senator Sherry Rehman underscored the steadfast nature of the Pakistan-China friendship. She highlighted China’s success in poverty reduction as a key lesson for Pakistan and commended the country’s leadership for deepening bilateral ties. She identified the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic transformation, attracting vital infrastructure and energy investments. Describing China as Pakistan’s most vital trading partner, she called for enhanced people-to-people and academic exchanges. Sherry also appreciated China’s support in specific projects, counter-terrorism, and on the Kashmir issue. She emphasized the importance of joint cooperation on regional challenges like water management with India, climate change, and poverty, while valuing China’s support for Pakistani sovereignty. She concluded by expressing a desire to expand trade and reaffirmed the enduring “iron brother” friendship.
Focusing on Pakistan’s agricultural future, the Senator stated that China’s agricultural support could be “revolutionary and transformative” for Pakistan’s rural economy. “China’s agricultural cooperation with Pakistan is not merely an exchange of technology—it is a new chapter in rural empowerment,” she said. She underscored through strategic collaboration with China, “Pakistan can move from subsistence to sustainability, and from vulnerability to vitality.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed appreciation for the participation of senators from all regions of Pakistan, reaffirming that the strategic leadership and partnership between China and Pakistan will continue to strengthen. He praised the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting that both countries remain united in safeguarding sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. Highlighting the 15th Five-Year Plan of the CPC Central Committee, Ambassador Jiang stated that it lays a foundation for joint progress in combating climate change and driving economic transformation. “China and Pakistan share the same development philosophy—prioritising people, stability, and innovation to face an evolving global landscape,” he noted.
He emphasised the significance of agricultural cooperation, describing it as “the heart of poverty alleviation.” “The farmer is the key to lifting communities from poverty,” he said, announcing China’s support through donations of agricultural machinery, scientific planning, and a five-year transition framework aimed at enhancing industrial growth, employment, and rural development.
The ambassador also announced upcoming projects, including the establishment of 100 hospitals in Balochistan, new development and economic zones to generate local employment, and improved water resource management. He further highlighted collaboration in student exchange programmes and technical training to deepen educational ties. In response to an interactive discussion by senators representing diverse provinces, Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed that China’s support for Pakistan remains unwavering “in all times and under all circumstances.” Concluding the session, Senator Sherry Rehman expressed gratitude to the Chinese delegation, stating, She added that this inaugural session marks “the beginning of a renewed vision and a deeper understanding” between the two nations.
The meeting was attended by Senators Naseema Ehsan, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Ashraf Ali Jatoi, Faisal Saleem Rahman, Munzoor Ahmed, Bushra Anjum Butt, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Dr Afnan Ullah Khan, Dilawar Khan, Abdul Qadir, and Waqar Mehdi, among others.