Internal stability a must for development, Chinese minister tells Pakistani leadership

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasised the significance of CPEC as a cornerstone of bilateral relations, stating that the second phase of CPEC will further strengthen Pakistan-China friendship, with all national parties united in support.

Speaking at the Pakistan-China Consultative Mechanism meeting in Islamabad, Dar welcomed the Chinese delegation, highlighting that the visit bolsters mutual trust and high-level connections.

He underscored the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, noting that investments in various sectors, particularly energy, have been pivotal through CPEC.

Dar characterized CPEC as a new vision of Pakistan-China cooperation, promoting social and sustainable development and regional cooperation. He added that the Prime Minister’s recent visit to China was successful, resulting in several agreements that aim to enhance Pakistan-China relations.

Chinese Minister Liujian Chow, addressing the meeting, welcomed the joint consultative mechanism and noted that both countries are on new development paths.

Also read: Pakistan-China joint consultative meeting held, CPEC in focus

He emphasized the necessity of internal stability and improved security for attracting investments. Chow invited Pakistani politicians, journalists, and students to visit China, highlighting that the CPEC project has created new opportunities for development.

CPEC Vital for Pakistan’s Economic Growth: Senate Chairman Yusuf Gilani

Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani remarked that CPEC has significantly strengthened Pakistan-China ties, fostering cooperation and development in remote areas. He stressed the importance of peace, stability, and development in the region, asserting that CPEC is vital for Pakistan’s economic growth.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq pointed out that political relations between Pakistan and China provide stability to CPEC, reducing poverty and boosting economic development and trade. He lamented that CPEC had previously been a target of disinformation.

Political Unity Must for Secure Future: Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal reiterated the need for political unity to ensure a secure future through the CPEC project, while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman highlighted the consensus among Pakistanis on strengthening Pakistan-China relations.

All Political Parties Support CPEC: PPP Leader Hina Rabbani Khar

Leader of the Pakistan People’s Party Hina Rabbani Khar noted that all political parties support CPEC, emphasizing its significance in the global scenario. Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Barrister Ali Zafar echoed this sentiment, asserting that the friendship with China is a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.

In his closing remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the trust and cooperation underpinning Pakistan-China relations. He highlighted CPEC’s role in the government’s development agenda and its importance for regional communication, announcing plans for industrial parks and special economic zones in the next phase of CPEC.

Pakistan-China Friendship Above Our Internal Differences: Maulana Fazl

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), emphasized the consensus among the Pakistani nation regarding Pakistan-China relations. He expressed gratitude for China’s unconditional support on the issue of Kashmir, stating that Pakistan has reciprocated this support regarding Taiwan. Rehman highlighted that the historical coordination between the two countries on regional issues is profound. He stressed the importance of completing CPEC projects with determination, underscoring that the friendship between China and Pakistan is a priority globally. He extended a warm welcome to the Chinese delegation.

Friendship with China is Central to Our Foreign Policy: Senator Ali Zafar

Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Barrister Ali Zafar remarked that the friendship between Pakistan and China is founded on trust and cooperation, with a history that attests to this bond. He described CPEC as a vision of this friendship, leveraging Pakistan’s geographical assets. Zafar highlighted the collective interest in the project, evidenced by the presence of all political parties. He asserted that the friendship with China is unwavering and central to Pakistan’s foreign policy.

Zafar also emphasized the need for political stability, cooperation, and adherence to the rule of law to ensure the success of CPEC and other national goals. He assured full support for the project, underlining the importance of independent courts, honoring contracts, and keeping promises.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar’s Remarks

Addressing the closing session of the China joint consultative meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated that Pakistan-China relations are rooted in trust and cooperation. He noted that CPEC has added a new dimension to the multilateral relations between the two countries and is a main pillar of the government’s development agenda. Dar mentioned that during Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s visit to China, agreements were made to upgrade projects. The next phase of CPEC will see the establishment of industrial parks and special economic zones, aiming to enhance trade and sustainable development.