Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Thursday praised the Communist Party of China (CPC) for steering China’s extraordinary economic transformation through strong institutions, long-term planning and effective governance, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening its all-weather strategic partnership with China.
He was addressing a special seminar organised by the Pakistan-China Economic and Cultural Council (PCECC) to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, attended by senior political leaders, parliamentarians, diplomats, policy experts and representatives of the Chinese Embassy.
The acting president said the CPC had demonstrated extraordinary institutional resilience over more than a century, leading China’s unprecedented economic transformation and lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. He noted that these achievements had made a significant contribution to global development.
Mr Gilani observed that Xi Jinping’s ‘Thought on Party Building’ placed emphasis on self-reform, internal accountability and a firm approach to corruption, adding that these principles offer useful insights for political parties and institutions, particularly in the Global South. He said durable institutions must remain accountable to the people, continually renew themselves and translate political stability into development that benefits ordinary citizens.
Reaffirming the enduring Pakistan-China friendship, the acting president 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 said Pakistan-China cooperation had expanded across defence, trade, infrastructure, education, health and cultural exchanges. He highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a major driver of regional connectivity and economic development and appreciated China’s steadfast support for Pakistan during natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The acting president said there was considerable potential for both countries to further deepen cooperation in trade, technology, clean energy and parliamentary exchanges.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi on the occasion said China’s remarkable progress demonstrated how nations prosper through long-term vision, consistency and strategic planning. He said Pakistan-China friendship had always been a relationship built on conviction and mutual trust, which had evolved into an all-weather strategic partnership over the decades.
Recalling the historic role of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in strengthening bilateral ties, he said the party took 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.
Referring to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the governor said the enduring friendship between the two countries was physically reflected in landmark projects such as the Karakoram Highway, while the ancient routes connecting the two neighbours had today been transformed into modern corridors of regional connectivity under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Speaker Babar Saleem Swati said the event reflected the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China. Referring to the ongoing wave of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he said China had demonstrated that terrorism could be effectively countered through development and prosperity rather than relying solely on the use of force.
He said China’s experience showed that sustainable economic growth, improved living standards and inclusive development were key to addressing the root causes of extremism and ensuring lasting peace.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said the remarkable achievements of the Communist Party of China (CPC) over the past 105 years reflected its commitment to development, modernization and improving the lives of its people.
The ambassador appreciated the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, saying Pakistan had made significant progress in economic recovery and national development. He also reaffirmed China’s readiness to work closely with Pakistan in diverse sectors, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), to further strengthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
Referring to regional developments, the ambassador appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating diplomatic efforts that contributed to a ceasefire between Iran and the US. He said all parties should avoid further escalation and adhere to the ceasefire, adding that China had consistently supported Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role.
President of the Pakistan-China Economic and Cultural Council Bayazeed Burhanullah Kasi also spoke on the occasion.
The programme also included presentations highlighting the history and development of the Communist Party of China.