Pakistan-China friendship enjoys unprecedented political consensus: minister

BEIJING: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Secretary General of Pakistan Muslim League (N), Ahsan Iqbal, has said that Pakistan-China friendship remains one of the strongest and rare national consensuses in Pakistan, enjoying complete support across the country’s political spectrum.

Addressing the China-Pakistan Political Parties Forum and the Meeting of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Political Parties Consultation Mechanism on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, Ahsan Iqbal said that despite political differences on domestic issues, all political parties in Pakistan stand united when it comes to strengthening relations with China.

The minister expressed gratitude to the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) for organizing the forum and praised its role in promoting dialogue, trust, and strategic understanding among political parties of both countries.

He observed that the forum had evolved beyond a formal diplomatic engagement into an important bridge of political trust and long-term cooperation between Pakistan and China.

Ahsan Iqbal said the Pakistan Muslim League (N) attaches immense importance to its institutional relationship with the Communist Party of China and values the constructive role played by IDCPC in strengthening strategic cooperation and inter-party harmony.

He noted that broad-based political support in Pakistan has been one of the key factors behind the continuity and success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), assuring Chinese partners that Pakistan’s commitment to the strategic partnership rises above political cycles and changes of government.

Referring to the Action Plan for Building a China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era signed last year, the Minister said the agreement had elevated bilateral relations to a new strategic level and reflected the shared aspirations of both nations for peace, prosperity, connectivity, and development.

He quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as saying, “No matter how the international landscape may change, China will always stand firmly with Pakistan,” adding that this enduring commitment had further strengthened mutual trust between the two countries.

Highlighting the significance of CPEC, Ahsan Iqbal described it as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a shining symbol of Pakistan-China friendship. He said CPEC had transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape by helping the country overcome crippling energy shortages, modernizing transport and logistics infrastructure, reviving Gwadar as a regional connectivity hub, and restoring investor confidence.

The minister stated that Pakistan and China are now entering a new phase of cooperation under CPEC 2.0 focused on industrialization, technological collaboration, innovation, sustainability, agriculture modernization, and people-centered development.

He explained that the future direction of CPEC cooperation would be guided by the framework of the “Five Corridors,” namely the Growth Corridor, Livelihood Corridor, Innovation Corridor, Green Corridor, and the Open and Inclusive Regional Development Corridor.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026