Rare display of bonhomie in NA

ISLAMABAD:

In a rare display of parliamentary convergence amid deep political divisions, treasury and opposition benches in both the houses of parliament on Wednesday set aside their differences to welcome a high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation visiting Pakistan to mark the 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

The delegation, led by Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the standing committee of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, attended proceedings in the National Assembly and Senate from the visitors' galleries as lawmakers from across the political spectrum extended formal welcome.

Proceedings in the National Assembly witnessed an unusual moment of unity as opposition members, who had been boycotting the house over demands related to the incarceration of Imran Khan, temporarily returned to the chamber during the Chinese delegation's visit.

Opposition members led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai participated in the sitting and joined treasury benches in welcoming the delegation, with desk-thumping marking the gesture.

Speaking as Leader of the Opposition, Achakzai warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of opposition parties. He highlighted Pakistan-China friendship, noting that the people of Pakistan will never forget China's support, and praised China's role in promoting regional stability and supporting smaller nations. He also acknowledged China's contributions in the region.

PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan also addressed the House and highlighted opposition solidarity with the government on international matters, referencing support during the May 2025 India conflict and the current welcome to the Chinese delegation for the 75th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic ties.

First Lady Aseefa-Bhutto Zardari was also present during the parliamentary proceedings and welcomed the visiting Chinese delegation.

On completing 75 years of diplomatic relation with china, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved a resolution in the National Assembly, which was unanimously adopted. The resolution felicitated the government and people of China on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and reaffirmed commitment to the "all-weather strategic cooperative partnership."

Following the delegation's departure, opposition members resumed their boycott and walked out of the House. However, their decision to attend and participate during the visit was widely noted as a constructive step highlighting respect for international diplomatic engagements even in times of acrimony.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reaffirming commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

As a Chinese parliamentary delegation entered the visitors' gallery, members of the House thumped desks in a gesture of warm welcome.

Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq formally greeted the delegation, while First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the visiting delegation.

Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved the resolution, which congratulated the governments and peoples of both countries on completing 75 years of diplomatic relations and acknowledged ongoing cooperation under CPEC.

The resolution said that the National Assembly extends its warmest felicitations to the Government and people of the People's Republic of China on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two fraternal nations, expressing hope that the bond of friendship will continue to flourish with greater strength in the decades ahead.

It reaffirmed the House's unwavering commitment to the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China, pledging continued legislative support for deepening and broadening bilateral relations across all spheres.

Expressing strong support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a transformative initiative for socio-economic development, regional integration, and shared prosperity, the House affirmed its commitment to facilitating timely completion of CPEC projects for the benefit of the people of Pakistan.

The House also welcomed the Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, Cai Dafeng, and members of the accompanying delegation, and placed on record its appreciation for their gesture of goodwill and solidarity.

It reiterated the commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and legislative cooperation between the National Assembly of Pakistan and the National People's Congress of China as a key pillar of bilateral relations.

The House expressed resolve that the next 75 years will witness an even stronger, more dynamic, and mutually beneficial partnership between Pakistan and China, grounded in shared aspirations for peace, development, and prosperity.

 

Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, while welcoming a parliamentary delegation led by Vice Chairman of Standing Committee of National People's Congress of China Cai Dafeng to the Senate on Wednesday, said that Pakistan-China friendship had successfully stood the test of time over the past 75 years.

Speaking in the Upper House, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan and China did enjoy an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, founded on mutual trust, mutual respect, and bilateral benefit.

He said Pakistan deeply appreciated China's unwavering support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Pakistan firmly adhered to the One-China principle and consistently supported China on its core interests and issues.

The Deputy Prime Minister said both countries shared a common vision on regional and global issues and maintained close coordination at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and other international forums to promote peace and safeguard the interests of developing nations.

Referring to recent tensions in the Gulf and the Middle East, he said Pakistan and China remained in close diplomatic contact and continued to work jointly for peace and stability in the region.

He said he had visited Beijing on March 31 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where both sides proposed a five-point peace initiative regarding the regional conflict, which later received support from dozens of countries.

Highlighting the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Ishaq Dar termed it the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a shining symbol of bilateral friendship.

He said CPEC had transformed Pakistan's economic landscape and expressed confidence that its next phase would focus on industrialization, agriculture, information technology, and socio-economic development.

Recalling the early discussions that led to the launch of CPEC, Mohammad Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had been facing severe electricity shortages following the 2013 general elections, with load-shedding lasting up to 18 hours in urban areas and 20 hours in rural regions.

He said China extended massive support to help Pakistan overcome the energy crisis, for which the nation would always remain grateful.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would undertake an official visit to China from May 23 to 26, accompanied by a high-level delegation.

He said the visit would include celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, meetings with the Chinese leadership including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as discussions under the Pakistan-China Political Forum and the CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism.

Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties and said the enduring friendship between Islamabad and Beijing would continue contributing to regional peace, prosperity, and progress.