Pakistan-China bond beyond strategic interests: Maryam

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that Pakistan’s friendship with China extends beyond strategic interests and remains deeply rooted.

Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the 75th Founding Day of the People’s Republic of China, the chief minister emphasised that China has always stood by Pakistan and that the bond between the two nations is heartfelt and enduring. She expressed the warm wishes of the Pakistani people to their Chinese counterparts on this significant occasion.

Maryam praised the Chinese nation for its remarkable progress and its efforts to extend a hand of friendship to other countries. She highlighted China’s success in lifting millions out of poverty through economic reforms, adding that China has become a role model for the world in technology, infrastructure, and industry. The CM further acknowledged China’s leadership in global crises, including COVID-19, and its contributions as a permanent member of the UN Security Council in promoting peace and providing resources to needy countries.

Maryam Nawaz also reflected on former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s commitment to strengthening the Pakistan-China relationship, lauding China for its unwavering support to Pakistan on the global stage. She said that the friendship between Pakistan and China continues to grow stronger with each passing day. In his address, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider paid tribute to the Chinese nation for emerging as a global power. He said that the foundation of Pak-China friendship, as well as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, was laid by the PPP and further advanced by PMLN President Nawaz Sharif during his tenure as prime minister.

Zhao Shiren, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, said that no force in the region or beyond could undermine the strong Pak-China friendship. Speaking at the ceremony, he highlighted China’s new journey toward building a modernised socialist country and reaffirmed the commitment to CPEC’s success. “No single force can drive a wedge into our friendship, and no element can deter this noble undertaking,” said Zhao.Zhao Shiren praised the all-weather relationship between China and Pakistan, based on sincerity, respect, and mutual support. He highlighted CPEC’s achievements, including $26 billion in direct Chinese investment, the creation of 240,000 jobs, and the positive transformation of Pakistan’s power sector and infrastructure.

Zhao said that CPEC’s second-phase development would bring further significant benefits to Pakistan, including the involvement of third parties in select projects.The consul general also announced upcoming milestones, such as the inauguration of the New Gwadar International Airport, the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass, and the start of the Karakoram Highway realignment project. He expressed confidence in the continued alignment of CPEC with Pakistan’s 5Es strategy and said that talks on the Karachi-Hyderabad segment of Main Line-1 were progressing.Despite facing security challenges and false propaganda, Zhao stressed that the CPEC process has not been stalled. He lauded the Punjab government for creating a business-friendly environment for foreign investment, highlighting initiatives such as Nawaz Sharif IT City, Garment City, and the hospital project, as well as efforts to combat smog, launch air ambulance services, and introduce the Clinics-on-Wheels programme.

Zhao concluded by expressing appreciation for the development projects in Punjab and wishing continued progress for China, Pakistan, and the province. The ceremony concluded with CM Maryam Nawaz and Governor Sardar Saleem Haider cutting the cake to celebrate China’s 75th Founding Day. This marked the first public appearance of both officials together since their recent disagreement over the appointment of vice-chancellors.