Islamabad (Web Desk): Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed the government's commitment to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stating that it will play a key role in helping Pakistan achieve its development objectives.
Speaking at a seminar on China-Pakistan joint contributions to the Global Governance Initiative and CPEC, organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad, Ahsan Iqbal said CPEC Phase-II offers a comprehensive roadmap built around five major pillars: the Corridor of Growth, Corridor of Livelihoods, Corridor of Innovation, Green Corridor, and Open Corridor.
He explained that the Open Corridor component aims to bring other countries into the CPEC framework, transforming it into a broader platform for regional development. He added that the second phase has been designed in line with Pakistan’s evolving economic and development needs.
Highlighting the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and China, the minister said bilateral ties have continued to strengthen over the years.
He noted that relations are expected to reach another milestone this year when Pakistan’s first astronaut travels to space with Chinese support.
Addressing the event, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said Pakistan and China are celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, describing the bond between the two countries as enduring and unbreakable.
He said the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China further elevated bilateral cooperation. According to Tarar, the two nations share not only a border but also deep historical, cultural, and strategic ties.
The information minister also reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Global Governance Initiative under the leadership of Xi Jinping, saying the initiative has already begun enhancing the representation of developing nations and improving livelihoods across the Global South.
Tarar noted that CPEC has brought the people of Pakistan and China closer together over the years and emphasized that cultural exchanges, people-to-people contacts, and media cooperation can further strengthen the partnership.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to deepen friendship with China, advance CPEC projects, and support the objectives of the Global Governance Initiative.