ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reaffirming both countries’ ‘ironclad friendship’ and pledging continued support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The orders of the day were put aside in view of the importance of the occasion.
A resolution was moved by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, which underscored the importance of continued practical partnership with China for shared prosperity, mutual benefit and socio-economic development of the peoples of both countries.
The resolution said the bilateral relationship, built on mutual trust, shared aspirations and commitment to peace and development, had withstood changes in the international environment and remained a source of strength for both nations. It also vowed to carry this extraordinary friendship forward from generation to generation.
The House appreciated China’s support on issues concerning Pakistan’s core interests, including sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.
It reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for China on its core concerns, reiterating commitment to the one-China principle and stating that Taiwan was an inalienable part of Chinese territory.
The resolution noted growing cooperation in political, economic, strategic, educational, cultural and people-to-people fields, and expressed resolve to mark the anniversary in a befitting manner as a symbol of enduring brotherhood.
A Chinese delegation led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Cai Dafeng witnessed the proceedings.
Earlier, when the chair welcomed them and made announcement of their presence in the House, members from both sides of the aisle warmly welcomed them by thumping desks.
Taking the floor, Dar said Pakistan and China shared a converging vision on regional and global issues and were committed to upholding the UN Charter. He described CPEC as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a key factor in transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape, adding that the next phase, CPEC 2.0, would focus on industrialisation, agriculture, IT and socio-economic development.
Dar said he would accompany Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on an upcoming visit to China, where meetings of the Pakistan-China Political Forum and the CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism were scheduled.
“We would also have meetings of two very important mechanisms: Pakistan-China Political Forum and CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism; a large multi-party parliamentary delegation from Pakistan would be attending many of these meetings,” he noted.
Convener of the Pak-China Friendship Group and PPP parliamentary leader in the House Senator Sherry Rehman described Pakistan-China relations as a “milestone relationship” and “shining example of mutual respect, sovereign equality, and enduring solidarity,” calling the two countries “iron brothers for decades.”
She emphasised the partnership had shown consistency and predictability over time, contributing to regional stability, economic progress and shared goals of peace and development.
Sherry highlighted the historical foundation of ties, noting the PPP’s long association with China since Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Regarding economic cooperation, she said China was now Pakistan’s largest trading partner and voiced support for moving CPEC into its next phase.
She called Gwadar Port a future regional hub and welcomed China’s green technology and sustainability initiatives. She also praised China’s poverty alleviation record, noting 800 million people lifted out of extreme poverty over four decades.
Opposition Leader in the Senate Allama Raja Nasir Abbas called Pakistan-China friendship “of great importance” for peace and stability in the region, acknowledging the fact that China had become a powerful global actor and served as a role model for progress and poverty alleviation, noting that millions had been lifted out of poverty there. He underlined the significance of CPEC and said it had linked both countries and contributed to keeping them connected.
Earlier, welcoming the delegation, Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said the visit reflected the warmth and trust defining bilateral relations. He expressed hope it would open new avenues for parliamentary and strategic cooperation. The House will meet again today (Thursday) afternoon to take up the agenda, which was not taken up on Wednesday.
