Pakistan to offer free visas to Chinese

C'wealth secretary general calls on prime minister

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday pledged to revamp Pakistan's economy by emulating China's model, with the objective of achieving similar economic success on a smaller scale.

Speaking to a 12-member Chinese delegation led by Wang Fukang, the prime minister said that during his recent visit to China, he requested President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang to send experts to Pakistan. "The goal is to model Pakistan's economy after China's. Today, these experts are here, and we're confident that progress will follow soon."

Welcoming the delegation by emphasising that China and Pakistan were eternal friends, with a friendship that knew no bounds, he emphasized that industrial cooperation was crucial at this time and expressed hope that it could be shifted to Pakistan.

He stated that the federal cabinet has decided to offer free visas to Chinese citizens starting August 14, demonstrating Pakistan's commitment. He emphasized that Sino-Pak relations were higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans.

The delegation, comprising representatives from 10 different Chinese ministries, was visiting Pakistan to enhance cooperation across various sectors. They will provide input on Chinese investment, the second phase of CPEC, and boosting Pakistani exports. Additionally, they will review and offer recommendations on IT, agriculture, industry, investment, energy, minerals, special economic zones, and communication.

He stated that Pakistan has implemented robust measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens. The government was committed to maintaining stringent security and preventing any breaches. Those responsible for any harmful acts will be held accountable.

Speaking on the occasion, delegation head, Wang Fukang stated that technical cooperation would further strengthen Pak-China strategic relations and expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its hospitality.

Separately, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, leading a five-member delegation, met with Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House on Thursday.

The prime minister welcomed Secretary-General Scotland on her first official visit to Pakistan. Appreciating the Commonwealth's consistent support for Pakistan's socio-economic and democratic institutions, the prime minister reaffirmed the government's desire to work with the Commonwealth on issues of common interest, particularly on youth empowerment, good governance and climate change.