Mandviwala calls for stronger political media role in shaping Pakistan-China narrative

BEIJING: Senator Saleem Mandviwala on Sunday underscored the need for political parties, think tanks, and media in Pakistan and China to build a shared, evidence-based understanding that development and security “are not competing priorities”, but mutually reinforcing imperatives that must advance together.

“As grassroots institutions, political parties are uniquely positioned to shape public narrative. We must guide our media and citizens to tell the story of China-Pakistan friendship truthfully, proudly, and consistently,” he said in his remarks at the Second China-Pakistan Political Parties Forum and the fourth meeting of the CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultation Mechanism.

In the panel discussion titled ‘Strengthening High-Level Political Mutual Trust’, Senator Mandviwala said, “We must categorically reject the disinformation aimed at driving a wedge between us.”

Senator Mandviwala, also the Chief Whip in the Senate of Pakistan and the Chairman of Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue for a third tenure, highlighted that through the ‘Party+’ mechanism, Silk Road Workshops, and cultural exchange programs, the ironclad friendship must be carried to the next generation. “Because ultimately, it is not treaties or corridors that make this partnership endure, it is people,” he added.

He stressed that amid the accelerating global transformation and unpredictable international landscape, the China-Pakistan strategic cooperation must grow stronger, not merely hold steady.

“Our leaders have charted the course; we as political parties must now operationalize it,” he stressed.

He said platforms like this Forum existed precisely to align positions, deepen coordination, and ensure that no political transition in either country disrupted the strategic continuity of partnership.

Pakistan, he said, had demonstrated enormous commitment to protecting Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions on its soil.

Describing Pakistan and China’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as ‘unwavering,’ Senator Saleem Mandviwala urged the CPEC Political Parties Consultation Mechanism to ensure that the dividends of this strategic partnership reach all segments of society, including ethnic minorities, women, and the youth.

“As we enter CPEC’s second phase, focused on industrialization, agricultural modernization, Special Economic Zones, and digital connectivity,” he said, “the political parties must be vocal advocates and active enablers.”

Senator Mandviwala said China and Pakistan have consistently supported each other on issues of core interest, whether that is China’s unwavering support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, or Pakistan’s firm commitment to the One-China principle. This mutual trust has never been transactional; it has been unconditional, and it has been tested and proven in the most difficult moments of our respective histories.

He mentioned that Pak-China collaboration spans trade, infrastructure, energy, science, education, aerospace, and defence, and the results speak for themselves.

Under CPEC alone, he said, 38 projects worth over USD 25 billion have been completed. It has added 8,000MW to power generation capacity in Pakistan, directly addressing the chronic electricity shortfall that had held our economy back for decades. Over 500 kilometres of highways have been constructed.

The Senator said the two nations stood shoulder to shoulder during devastating floods, earthquakes, and the shared trauma of the pandemic.

“These bonds are rooted in the hearts of our combined 1.6 billion people. No disinformation campaign, no wedge politics, and no external pressure can sever what has been built in blood and solidarity,” he said.