KARACHI: China has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Pakistan, with Acting Chinese Consul General in Karachi Feng Deheng describing the two countries as close neighbours, trusted friends and brothers connected by mountains and rivers.
Speaking at an event marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Feng said that regardless of developments around the world, China would continue working to deepen its relationship with Pakistan. The ceremony was attended by Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, diplomats, political figures and business representatives.
Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi said the Pakistan-China friendship had remained firm through difficult periods. He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a practical reflection of the longstanding relationship between the two countries and said cooperation was expanding beyond infrastructure into industry, technology, agriculture and innovation.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah highlighted CPEC’s contribution to connectivity, energy, industry and infrastructure. He said Chinese investment in Sindh was increasing in sectors including energy, ports, industry and agriculture, while the provincial government wanted greater cooperation in renewable energy and modern urban development. He also assured Chinese investors of continued government support.
Feng said Pakistan and China maintained high-level political and security cooperation and increasingly coordinated on international issues. Referring to recent visits by President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he said the leadership of both countries had provided strategic guidance for further developing their “all-weather” partnership.
The Chinese diplomat also spoke about the next phase of CPEC, calling for faster progress in industry, agriculture, mining and information technology. He said cultural, educational and scientific exchanges should also be expanded so that people in both countries could benefit from closer cooperation. He further praised Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue amid regional tensions.
Feng also highlighted China’s economic and technological development, saying the country had made major progress in manufacturing, trade, artificial intelligence, green energy and scientific research. He said 2026 was an important year for China as it marked the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the beginning of implementation of the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan.
