75 Years of Pakistan-China Diplomatic Relations

Grand Ceremony Held at Expo Center to Commemorate Pak-China Friendship
By Farzana Chaudhry, Lahore
LAHORE: A grand and colorful ceremony was organized at the Expo Center Lahore under the auspices of the Punjab Parks and Horticulture Authority to celebrate the completion of 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman represented Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif at the prestigious event, while Chinese Consul General Sun Yan attended as the guest of honor.
The ceremony was attended by Provincial Ministers Bilal Yasin and Mansha Ullah Butt, Chairman PHA Ghazali Saleem Butt, MD Mansoor Ahmad, senior officials, diplomats, members of the business community, and a large number of distinguished Pakistani and Chinese guests from various walks of life.
Addressing the gathering, speakers termed Pakistan-China relations a shining example of enduring friendship and reaffirmed their commitment to carrying this historic partnership to even greater heights in the years ahead.
In his keynote address, Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman stated that Pakistan-China relations have evolved into an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership rooted in mutual trust and unwavering support. He noted that Pakistan became one of the first countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1951, laying the foundation for a friendship that has successfully withstood every test of time.
He emphasized that both countries have consistently stood by each other during challenging times, further strengthening the bond of mutual confidence and solidarity. He remarked that China’s trust in Pakistan has provided fresh momentum to the country’s economy, while the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has transformed Pakistan’s development landscape.
Referring to major development initiatives, the Finance Minister said that from the expansion of Gwadar Port to motorways, energy projects, agricultural cooperation, and Special Economic Zones, China has remained Pakistan’s most trusted development partner.
He further stated that under the visionary leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif, bilateral relations are entering a new era of economic cooperation and regional connectivity. In the prevailing global and regional environment, he added, Pakistan-China friendship is emerging as a beacon of economic stability, peace, and prosperity.
The Finance Minister said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Punjab Government is fully committed to further expanding cooperation with China. He noted that Punjab considers China its most reliable strategic and development partner and is actively enhancing collaboration in infrastructure development, agriculture, skills development, mining, and information technology sectors.
Highlighting the importance of people-to-people ties, he observed that the true strength of Pakistan-China relations lies in the deep affection shared by the peoples of both countries. Thousands of Pakistani students pursuing education in Chinese institutions, he said, would serve as future ambassadors of friendship between the two nations.
Expressing optimism about future cooperation, he said both countries are poised to achieve new milestones in artificial intelligence, green energy, innovation, and the digital economy. He reiterated that Pakistan fully supports China’s vision of global peace, collective development, and regional harmony, adding that friendship with China remains an unwavering pillar of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Consul General Sun Yan described Pakistan-China friendship as a symbol of regional peace, strategic trust, and economic progress. He stated that China would continue to play a constructive and positive role in supporting Pakistan’s sovereignty, stability, and development.
The Consul General said that CPEC has opened new avenues of cooperation and prosperity for both countries and appreciated the remarkable progress made on CPEC-related initiatives in Punjab. He praised the governance reforms and development-oriented policies of the Punjab Government under the leadership of Maryam Nawaz Sharif and highlighted Punjab’s immense potential as the food basket of Pakistan, particularly in the fields of agriculture and mining.
He also acknowledged that the proactive initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Government have further strengthened Pakistan-China relations and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue to expand in the years ahead.
The ceremony also featured vibrant cultural performances that captivated the audience. Pakistani artists presented patriotic songs, while a Chinese orchestra delivered an impressive musical performance, creating a memorable atmosphere of cultural harmony and friendship.
At the conclusion of the event, Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman and Chinese Consul General Sun Yan appreciated the organizers for arranging a magnificent and well-coordinated ceremony and commended the Punjab Parks and Horticulture Authority for its efforts in promoting the spirit of Pakistan-China friendship through cultural and diplomatic engagement.