Chinese Consul General in Karachi Yang Yundong on Wednesday called on Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah at his office on a farewell visit ahead of the completion of his tenure in the city.
During the meeting, the CG reflected on his tenure in Karachi, and expressed gratitude for the warmth, cooperation and goodwill extended by the people of the province, the government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leadership. He said the friendship between Pakistan and China is so strong and enduring that he never felt far from home during his stay in Karachi.
He also remarked that Karachi is a vibrant, peaceful and opportunity-rich city that holds great appeal for people from all walks of life. Shah said on the occasion that relations between Pakistan and China have been founded on mutual trust, cooperation and a longstanding friendship.
He said the legislature recently passed a unanimous resolution commemorating the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, paying tribute to the visionary leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who had laid the foundation of this historic friendship, and also acknowledging the contributions of Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari in further strengthening the bilateral ties.
He observed that from Chairman Mao Zedong to the present Chinese leadership, China has stood by Pakistan through times of both challenge and prosperity. The CG recalled that Bhutto was among the last world leaders to meet Chairman Mao before his passing, highlighting the historic significance of the relationship between the two nations.
Shah remarked that if the CG remains in Karachi during the upcoming budget session, a special farewell reception would be arranged in his honour by the members of the assembly. He also referred to the recent visit of Zardari to China, including his visit to Chairman Mao’s hometown, describing it as a reflection of the deep respect and historic bond shared between the leadership of the two countries.
Moreover, Bilawal had rightly observed during a recent event commemorating the 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations that Pakistan was among the first countries to befriend China, and that the friendship between Pakistan and China remains unique, unconditional and unparalleled.
Shah proposed the establishment of a Pakistan-China Friendship Group in the provincial assembly along the lines of similar groups functioning in the National Assembly of Pakistan. He suggested that the group include representatives from all parliamentary parties, including both the treasury and opposition
benches, to further promote legislative engagement, people-to-people contacts and business cooperation. The Chinese diplomat welcomed the proposal, and observed that such an initiative would further strengthen Pakistan-China relations at the provincial level.
He suggested that through such a platform, parliamentary delegations from the Sindh Assembly can undertake future visits to China. Shah also expressed his desire to visit China, particularly Chairman Mao’s hometown.
The PA speaker, recalling his experience as former transport minister, shared his interactions with Chinese companies during the procurement of buses for the Peoples Bus Service, and noted that Chinese institutions ensured the timely delivery of buses to Sindh despite competing international orders.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Shah presented the CG with a copy of the unanimous resolution passed by the PA commemorating the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
The speaker also presented him with the PA’s Legacy Shield, a Sindhi Ajrak and a Sindhi Topi, as well as books on the history of Sindh and the House. The CG thanked the PA and the speaker for the honour and hospitality extended to him, and said his tenure in Karachi had been marked by friendship, mutual respect, cooperation and many positive experiences.
