China Unveils Projects to Boost Pakistan’s Growth and Development
The Pakistan-China Friendship Group in Parliament held its first official session at the Parliament House, chaired by Senator Sherry Rehman, reaffirming the long-standing “all-weather, time-tested, iron-clad friendship” between Pakistan and China. The meeting gathered prominent Pakistani senators and a high-level Chinese delegation led by His Excellency Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan.
Senator Rehman welcomed the Chinese representatives, describing the Friendship Group as a high-level platform to strengthen strategic relations with China—Pakistan’s most trusted partner. She thanked China for its unwavering support in economic, political, and security spheres and praised President Xi Jinping’s leadership for ushering in CPEC’s first and second phases, which have brought over $56 billion in investment to Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sectors.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Highlighting China’s remarkable success in poverty alleviation, Senator Rehman noted that Pakistan could learn valuable lessons from China’s model of inclusive development. She called for deeper people-to-people and academic exchanges, greater trade collaboration, and joint efforts in tackling shared challenges like climate change, water management, and poverty reduction.
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, in his remarks, commended the participation of senators from across Pakistan and reaffirmed the enduring partnership between the two nations. He emphasized that both countries, under strong leadership, will continue to safeguard sovereignty and pursue mutual progress. Referring to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, he said it sets the stage for joint action in climate resilience and sustainable growth.
Ambassador Jiang announced a series of transformative initiatives, including the establishment of 100 hospitals in Balochistan, the creation of new economic zones to boost employment, and enhanced agricultural cooperation aimed at revitalising Pakistan’s rural economy. He underscored that agricultural collaboration lies at the “heart of poverty alleviation,” adding that China will provide machinery, technical expertise, and a structured five-year framework for growth.
He also outlined expanded cooperation in education and technical training, including student exchange programmes designed to strengthen academic and cultural ties. The session concluded with renewed optimism, as Senator Sherry Rehman expressed gratitude to the Chinese delegation, calling the meeting “the beginning of a renewed vision and a deeper understanding” between Pakistan and China.