In Islamabad, Pakistan, all leading political parties exhibited unusual uniformity and solidarity for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), marking a rare consensus in their commitment to bilateral ties with China. This was during the third meeting of CPEC Political Parties Forum Pakistan-China and CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultative Mechanism co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister/Finance Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan and Minister Liu Jianchao International Department Communist Party of China.
This meeting also highlighted the importance of internal stability to economic development, stressing the need for better security to attract investments. Hence, Pakistani leaders assured their Chinese counterparts of foolproof security arrangements for safeguarding. The lives and properties of Chinese workers engaged in different projects under CPEC in Pakistan.
Chairman Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, along with representatives from various political parties including Ahsan Iqbal Planning & Development Minister, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui MQM, Maulana Fazlur Rehman JUI-F and Hina Rabbani Khar PPP were present. They reasserted that CPEC is the mainstay of Pakistan-China economic cooperation. Emphasizing its role in socio-economic development, job creation, and addressing energy shortfall in Pakistan.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar described CPEC as a living example of enhanced bilateral cooperation. This prediction will result in stronger ties during the second phase while appreciating new agreements inked during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China, thereby signifying another stage in expansion and integration through third-party participation under CPEC.
Minister Dar reiterated people-to-people connectivity between the two countries, saying. Pakistan cannot succeed without China,” besides highlighting the significance of this game-changer project for transforming the socio-economic landscape of my country. Which will further enhance regional connectivity, mainly focusing on the agriculture sector, IT industry, etc.
Chinese Minister Liu Jianchao referred to these accords as potential builders of closer bilateral relations. While displaying an unbreakable friendship between China and Pakistan amidst global uncertainties. He announced initiatives like inviting Pakistani parliamentarians to visit China and providing scholarships. And professional training opportunities for young people from Pakistan to deepen cultural and educational exchanges.
The event also identified challenges, including Western social media misinformation. Urging media organizations to exchange information more frequently to foster mutual understanding.
Further meetings at higher levels confirmed commitment towards CPEC. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Army Chief General Asim Munir alongside Minister Liu Jianchao. Who reviewed the progress made so far while reiterating their dedication towards the success of this undertaking. Premier stated that CPEC is strategically vital for Pakistan’s economic development, appreciating China’s continuous support. Gen Asim Munir echoed its vision to enhance ties with us. Stressing the cooperation necessary for successfully implementing regional peace through stability vis-a-vis security underpinning it.
In general terms, what happened in Islamabad reflected that there is no doubt among all political parties. CPEC is a game changer for my country and the entire region. It revealed how deep-rooted our relations with China are. Where shared interests supersede any other consideration, thus uniting leaders around shared goals. Which are prosperity through economic integration coupled with strategic partnership based on mutual trust & respect. This unity demonstrated by politicians and top brass reaffirmed the centrality of CPEC in shaping future outlooks for different sectors within Pakistan’s economy. While dealing with challenges stemming from the rapidly changing global order around us.
