Pakistan-China Friendship Gallery inaugurated in Lahore to mark 75 years of ties

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Friday inaugurated a “Pakistan-China Friendship Gallery” at a newly established museum building to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

Punjab Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren jointly inaugurated the gallery, which showcases photographs and cultural exhibits highlighting decades of bilateral ties.

The two sides renewed pledges to expand cooperation in technology, infrastructure and economic development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Aurangzeb described Pakistan-China relations as an “all-weather friendship” that had endured difficult times and evolved into broad cooperation across economic, cultural and strategic sectors.

She said that China’s support under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), launched under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, had given Pakistan’s economy “a new direction”.

She said that the Punjab government has entered into cooperation with Chinese provinces in agriculture, smart cities and green infrastructure.

She emphasied plans to connect the future of bilateral relations with innovation and youth engagement.

Aurangzeb also announced that another ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties would be held at Expo Centre Lahore on May 25, where Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is expected to participate.

Separately, in Shenzhen, Pakistan was designated “Country of Honour” at the World Drone Congress 2026, reflecting growing cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing in emerging technologies and digital sectors.

Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority Bilal Bin Saqib attended the event and thanked organisers for recognising Pakistan.

He said the honour reflected growing international confidence in Pakistan’s digital and technological potential, adding that the integration of drone technology, digitalisation and blockchain systems was transforming logistics and supply chains globally.

Bilal said Pakistan was making progress in digital economy reforms and virtual asset regulation, while calling for greater innovation, investment and regulatory coordination in the drone industry.

He also reiterated that Pakistan-China ties remained “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans”, echoing language commonly used by officials in both countries to describe bilateral relations.