Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday commended the Communist Party of China (CPC) for steering China's extraordinary economic transformation through strong institutions, long-term planning, and effective governance. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening its all-weather strategic partnership with China.
Seminar Commemorating CPC's 105th Anniversary
Addressing a special seminar organized by the Pakistan-China Economic and Cultural Council (PCECC) to mark the 105th anniversary of the CPC's founding, Gilani highlighted the party's institutional resilience over more than a century. The event was attended by senior political leaders, parliamentarians, diplomats, policy experts, and representatives of the Chinese Embassy.
Gilani noted that the CPC's leadership had led to China's unprecedented economic transformation, lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. He emphasized that these achievements significantly contributed to global development.
Xi Jinping's Thought on Party Building
The acting president observed that Xi Jinping's 'Thought on Party Building' emphasizes self-reform, internal accountability, and a firm approach to corruption. He added that these principles offer valuable insights for political parties and institutions, particularly in the Global South. Gilani stressed that durable institutions must remain accountable to the people, continually renew themselves, and translate political stability into development that benefits ordinary citizens.
Pakistan-China Iron Brotherhood
Reaffirming the enduring Pakistan-China friendship, Gilani described the relationship as an iron brotherhood built on mutual trust, shared interests, and strategic cooperation. He paid tribute to the vision of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Chairman Mao Zedong, and Premier Zhou Enlai in laying the foundations of the bilateral relationship.
He noted that Pakistan-China cooperation had expanded across defense, trade, infrastructure, education, health, and cultural exchanges. Gilani highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a major driver of regional connectivity and economic development and appreciated China's steadfast support during natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Potential for Deeper Cooperation
The acting president said there is considerable potential for both countries to further deepen cooperation in trade, technology, clean energy, and parliamentary exchanges.
Governor Kundi's Remarks
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi said China's remarkable progress demonstrates how nations prosper through long-term vision, consistency, and strategic planning. He described Pakistan-China friendship as a relationship built on conviction and mutual trust, which has evolved into an all-weather strategic partnership over the decades.
Recalling the historic role of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in strengthening bilateral ties, Kundi said the party takes pride in the contribution of its founder, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who played a key role in laying the foundations of Pakistan's close relationship with China during the 1960s.
Karakoram Highway and CPEC
Referring to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the governor said the enduring friendship is physically reflected in landmark projects such as the Karakoram Highway, while ancient routes connecting the two neighbors have been transformed into modern corridors of regional connectivity under CPEC.
Speaker Swati on Terrorism and Development
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said the event reflects the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. Referring to the ongoing wave of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said China has demonstrated that terrorism can be effectively countered through development and prosperity rather than relying solely on the use of force. He added that China's experience shows sustainable economic growth, improved living standards, and inclusive development are key to addressing the root causes of extremism and ensuring lasting peace.
