ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said that Pakistan-China relations have remained consistently strong for the past 75 years, describing the partnership as one that has “never seen a moment of autumn” and continues to deepen on the basis of trust, cooperation and shared objectives.
He made these remarks while addressing a cultural event held at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The event was jointly organised by the Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, UNI International, the Pakistan-Chinese Education Association, and other partner organisations.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Deputy Head of Mission of the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad Shi Yuanqiang also attended the ceremony.
Ahsan Iqbal described Pakistan and China as “all-weather strategic partners” and “iron brothers,” saying the relationship has consistently strengthened in both challenging and peaceful times. He said the bond between the two countries continues to grow stronger each year, likening it to a friendship that remains in a permanent “season of spring.”
“Our friendship is higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the sea, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel,” he said, adding that the partnership has now expanded into new frontiers, including space cooperation, with Pakistan’s first astronaut expected to participate in a Chinese space mission in 2026.
The minister said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is not merely an infrastructure initiative but a pathway to long-term economic transformation and shared prosperity. He termed it a practical expression of the enduring Pakistan-China friendship and a key pillar of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), opening opportunities in energy, transport, industry, and connectivity.
Recalling CPEC’s launch in 2013, Ahsan Iqbal noted that Pakistan was then facing severe energy shortages and security challenges, and China stepped forward at a time when investment was scarce.
“When no one was ready to invest in Pakistan, China invested billions of dollars to help us overcome the energy crisis,” he said, acknowledging China’s continued support as a true “iron brother.”
He also paid tribute to Chinese engineers and workers involved in development projects across Pakistan, particularly those engaged in CPEC initiatives, many of whom have spent long periods away from their families while contributing to Pakistan’s development.
Referring to the Dasu hydropower project incident, the minister highlighted the dedication of a Chinese project manager who returned to Pakistan despite family concerns following a terrorist attack, calling it a powerful example of mutual trust.
Ahsan Iqbal stressed the importance of cultural exchange, youth engagement, and people-to-people contact in strengthening bilateral relations, saying that while infrastructure builds economic corridors, “the corridors of the future are built through hearts and minds.”
He said Pakistan aims to become a regional hub for trade, transit and connectivity, with Gwadar Port playing a central role as a gateway for regional economic integration under CPEC and BRI frameworks.
The ceremony concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, attended jointly by Ahsan Iqbal, Attaullah Tarar, and Chinese Deputy Head of Mission Shi Yuanqiang.
