The Diamond Jubilee celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China were held with grandeur and warmth as PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the all-weather strategic partnership between the two countries.
The prestigious ceremony, hosted by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah at the historic Mohatta Palace, brought together diplomats, senior government officials, business leaders, Chinese investors, members of the armed forces, civil society representatives and members of the banking and industrial sectors to celebrate what leaders described as a timeless friendship rooted in mutual trust, strategic cooperation and shared prosperity. First Lady of Pakistan Assefa Bhutto Zardari specifically attended the celebration.
Addressing the ceremony, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the chief guest, said Pakistan-China friendship had become a symbol of regional peace, economic cooperation and strategic stability.
“Pakistan and China are iron brothers whose friendship has stood every test of time,” Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said. “The Pakistan Peoples Party has always played a historic role in strengthening ties with China, and we remain fully committed to taking this partnership to new heights.”
He said Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation of modern Pakistan-China relations through visionary diplomacy and strategic foresight. At the same time, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and President Asif Ali Zardari further deepened bilateral cooperation in economic development and regional connectivity.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) had transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape and would continue to open new opportunities for industrialisation, infrastructure development, technology transfer and employment generation.
“CPEC 2.0 will usher in a new era of industrial cooperation, special economic zones, innovation and regional connectivity,” he said, adding that Sindh, particularly Karachi, would remain central to future Pakistan-China economic cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said the 75-year diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and China had evolved into one of the strongest and most trusted partnerships in modern international relations.
“Tonight, we celebrate not merely a diplomatic milestone but a timeless friendship built on sincerity, mutual respect and unwavering support for each other,” the chief minister said.
Murad Shah paid tribute to PPP founder Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for establishing the foundations of Pakistan-China friendship and said the Pakistan Peoples Party had consistently strengthened bilateral relations through every era.
The CM said Sindh remained uniquely positioned to play an even greater role in expanding Pakistan-China cooperation in trade, industry, infrastructure, renewable energy, technology and investment. “Chinese enterprises are already contributing significantly to Sindh’s development, and we welcome greater cooperation in transport, industrialisation, ports, agriculture, technology and clean energy,” he added.
The chief minister said Pakistan-China relations had also proved vital in matters of regional peace, national security and strategic stability. “Our cooperation in technology, defence, connectivity and economic development continues to contribute toward peace and prosperity in the region,” he said.
In a special video message played during the ceremony, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan described Pakistan and China as “all-weather strategic cooperative partners” and said the friendship between the two countries had transformed into an “iron brotherhood” over the past 75 years.
The envoy said CPEC had brought massive investment into Pakistan and created employment opportunities for millions of people, adding that under CPEC 2.0, new industrial zones and factories would be established to further deepen economic cooperation.
“Sindh is Pakistan’s most important province in terms of population and economy and holds unique significance in promoting practical cooperation between Pakistan and China,” the ambassador said.
He noted that Sindh would greatly benefit from the high-quality development projects envisioned under CPEC 2.0, particularly in infrastructure, industrialisation, trade and investment sectors.
The Chinese ambassador also assured that the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad and the Chinese Consulate General in Karachi would continue close engagement with Sindh to strengthen cooperation between local institutions, businesses and industries of both countries.
Describing the dinner at Mohatta Palace as a historic symbol of Pak-China friendship, the envoy expressed confidence that bilateral relations would continue to grow stronger and create new opportunities for development and prosperity.
Chief Minister Murad Shah concluded his address by reaffirming Sindh’s commitment to promoting peace, regional cooperation and mutual development through stronger Pakistan-China relations. “May the friendship between Pakistan and China continue to flourish for generations to come,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with cultural presentations and expressions of solidarity, celebrating the enduring friendship between the people of Pakistan and China.