New book urges public diplomacy in Pak–China ties

Speakers at a book launch on Saturday underlined the need for more people-centric initiatives between Pakistan and China on the occasion of the forthcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.

The China–Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted the launch of its latest publication, Pakistan and China: Connecting at People's Level.

The event featured remarks by Ambassador Masood Khalid, former Ambassador of Pakistan to China; Ambassador Moinul Haque, also a former Ambassador of Pakistan to China; Dr Hassan Daud Butt, Senior Associate Professor at Bahria University; Dr Sundus Mustaqeem, Assistant Professor at NUST; and Aiza Azam, Lecturer at Air University. The guest of honour was Mr Xu Hangtian, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.

In his welcome address, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, Director-General of ISSI, described Pakistan–China relations as 'unique in inter-state relations,' grounded in mutual respect, strategic trust, and reciprocal support on issues of core interest.

He observed that this all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has endured for over seven decades, adapting to shifting regional and global circumstances, and continues to serve as a stabilising factor for peace, security, and development in the wider region.

While projects such as CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) have reinforced economic and physical connectivity, he argued that it is human and cultural connectivity that will ultimately safeguard the relationship for future generations.

Referring to the recently adopted China–Pakistan Five-Year "Action Plan" (2025–29), he pointed out that a full chapter is devoted to people-to-people exchanges and cooperation, reflecting recognition at the highest levels that enduring friendship must rest upon social, cultural, and academic linkages.

He suggested enhanced collaboration in benefiting from China's expertise in sports as well as in the preservation of cultural and civilisational heritage, concluding with a call for visa facilitation and improved air connectivity to deepen people-to-people ties.

Ambassador Moinul Haque underlined that Pakistan–China relations remain the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy. He identified five priority areas for strengthening human connections: civilisational linkages, cultural exchanges, economic partnerships, technological cooperation, and tourism.