Islamabad: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting organized a ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China in Islamabad. The event was attended by notable figures including Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, Secretary Information Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil, and Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of China Shi Yuanqiang, along with a large audience.
According to Radio Pakistan, Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, while addressing the ceremony, noted that the Pak-China relationship has evolved significantly from its initial diplomatic ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. He emphasized that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) symbolizes more than just infrastructure and industrial developments; it serves as a bridge of development and a path to shared prosperity, highlighting the strong economic ties between the two nations.
Ahsan Iqbal described the Pak-China friendship with traditional phrases such as "higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the sea, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel." He further added a new dimension to this friendship, noting that by 2026, Pakistan's first astronaut will venture into space on a Chinese space mission, marking an unprecedented milestone as the first foreign astronaut to enter the Chinese space center.
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar echoed the sentiments of enduring friendship, stating that the bond between Pakistan and China has been nurtured through generations and remains deeply cherished. He highlighted the shared geography and unbreakable ties between the two countries.
Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of China Shi Yuanqiang, remarked on the significance of the 75th anniversary, acknowledging it as a new stage in the China-Pakistan Strategic Cooperative Partnership. He extended congratulations to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for successfully organizing the event.
Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Ashfaq Ahmad Khalil emphasized the importance of the celebration, not just as a mark of diplomatic ties, but as a testament to the enduring stories and traditions that fortify the partnership between the two nations. He affirmed the importance of people-to-people connections alongside diplomatic and economic collaborations.
The ceremony featured a documentary screening that depicted the 75-year journey of Pakistan-China relations, and a cake-cutting ceremony to commemorate the milestone anniversary, celebrating the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two nations.