Thu, September 17, 2026
Islamabad (Web Desk): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to its strategic alliance with China, calling the bond between the two countries a lasting friendship founded on trust, shared objectives and unwavering support in every testing time.
Speaking at a grand ceremony and photo exhibition in Islamabad held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, President Zardari said ties with Beijing continued to remain a vital component of Pakistan’s foreign policy and had grown into an exemplary relationship between two nations over the years.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress Cai Dafeng, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, federal ministers, lawmakers, diplomats and other distinguished guests.
President Zardari congratulated the Chinese leadership and citizens, particularly President Xi Jinping, on the completion of 75 years of diplomatic ties, saying relations between Islamabad and Beijing were shaped by mutual confidence, constant cooperation and common development ambitions.
He stated that bilateral collaboration had widened into sectors including trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, defence and cultural and public exchanges. The president also praised China’s continued support for Pakistan regarding the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and reaffirmed Pakistan’s clear commitment to the “One China Policy”.
President Zardari said that both countries would continue to work together for peace, stability, progress and multilateral cooperation at both regional and international levels.
He added that Pakistan and China had consistently protected each other’s core interests while maintaining close cooperation in education, agriculture, science and technology, defence and cultural fields.
The president expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for supporting Pakistan’s development initiatives, especially Gwadar Port, and described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a landmark project that was continuing to contribute significantly to Pakistan’s economic and social development.
Praising President Xi Jinping’s leadership, he said China had achieved extraordinary economic growth and remarkable success in poverty reduction under his vision.
The president also shared that he had visited China 14 times, including two visits last year, and recently toured the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong during his latest trip.
During the event, President Zardari unveiled a commemorative postage stamp issued to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
Addressing the event, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was proud to be the first Muslim country to recognize the People’s Republic of China and among the earliest nations to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1951.
“Through mutual efforts, sincerity of purpose and shared commitment, we have built a relationship which is second to none and truly unique in the world,” the prime minister said.
He remarked that China had always stood beside Pakistan “like a solid rock” during difficult periods, including earthquakes, floods and economic hardships, adding that Beijing’s support for Islamabad had no comparison in history.
Recalling the catastrophic floods of 2010, the prime minister said China was among the first countries to extend assistance by dispatching helicopters, medicines, doctors and experts to support affected communities.
“How can we forget these acts of kindness and generosity on the part of the Chinese people,” he remarked.
PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support for the One China Policy, saying Pakistan had backed the principle “without any second thought” and would continue to do so “without fear or favour”.
He described CPEC, launched under President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), as a shining reflection of China’s dedication to Pakistan’s economic advancement, employment opportunities and prosperity.
The prime minister appreciated President Xi’s vision of encouraging multilateral cooperation and resolving conflicts through diplomacy and peaceful dialogue, while also acknowledging China’s support for Pakistan’s peace efforts in the region.
Calling China Pakistan’s most dependable and trusted ally, PM Shehbaz said the friendship between the two countries was rooted in sincerity instead of political motives or conditions.
He further said China’s remarkable economic rise and its achievement in lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty under President Xi’s leadership served as a source of inspiration for the entire world.
Discussing future collaboration under CPEC 2.0, the prime minister said agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, special economic zones, and mines and minerals would remain important sectors of cooperation.
Highlighting Pakistan’s youth population as both a challenge and an opportunity, he expressed confidence that with Chinese cooperation, Pakistan could convert its young workforce into economic strength.
PM Shehbaz also appreciated China’s assistance in training Pakistani agricultural graduates at Chinese universities, saying the initiative was helping improve agricultural research and development in Pakistan.
Speaking on security cooperation, the prime minister assured the Chinese leadership that Pakistan would ensure the highest level of safety for Chinese citizens working in the country.
“The security meant for the prime minister and president should be available for every Chinese citizen in Pakistan,” he said, adding that Pakistan remained determined to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation with China.
PM Shehbaz also expressed hope that President Xi Jinping would visit Pakistan during the year-long celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Addressing the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress of China, Cai Dafeng said China and Pakistan had always firmly supported one another and noted that Pakistan was the first Muslim country to establish diplomatic ties with China on May 21, 1951.
He reaffirmed China’s backing for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity, while pledging stronger cooperation in education, agriculture, mining, industry, information technology, climate change, media and other sectors.
Cai also reiterated China’s support for Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and stressed the need for continued coordination at international forums, including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
A special photo exhibition arranged alongside the ceremony displayed memorable moments of Pakistan-China friendship, solidarity and shared achievements spanning more than seven decades.
The ceremony began with the national anthems of both countries and concluded with President Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chinese dignitaries and Ambassador Jiang Zaidong jointly cutting a commemorative cake, while Pakistani and Chinese children presented colourful performances celebrating the enduring friendship between the two nations.
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