Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and Secretary General of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Ahsan Iqbal has said that Pakistan-China friendship remains one of the strongest and rare national consensuses in Pakistan, enjoying complete support across the country’s political spectrum.
Addressing the China-Pakistan Political Parties Forum and the Meeting of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Political Parties Consultation Mechanism on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, Ahsan Iqbal said that despite political differences on domestic issues, all political parties in Pakistan stand united when it comes to strengthening relations with China.
The minister expressed gratitude to the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) for organizing the forum and praised its role in promoting dialogue, trust and strategic understanding among political parties of both countries, according to a news release.
He observed that the forum had evolved beyond a formal diplomatic engagement into an important bridge of political trust and long-term cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Ahsan Iqbal said the Pakistan Muslim League (N) attaches immense importance to its institutional relationship with the Communist Party of China and values the constructive role played by IDCPC in strengthening strategic cooperation and inter-party harmony.
He noted that broad-based political support in Pakistan has been one of the key factors behind the continuity and success of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), assuring Chinese partners that Pakistan’s commitment to the strategic partnership rises above political cycles and changes of government.
Referring to the Action Plan for Building a China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era signed last year, the Minister said the agreement had elevated bilateral relations to a new strategic level and reflected the shared aspirations of both nations for peace, prosperity, connectivity, and development.
He quoted Chinese President Xi Jinping as saying, “No matter how the international landscape may change, China will always stand firmly with Pakistan,” adding that this enduring commitment had further strengthened mutual trust between the two countries.
Highlighting the significance of CPEC, Ahsan Iqbal described it as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a shining symbol of Pakistan-China friendship.
He said CPEC had transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape by helping the country overcome crippling energy shortages, modernizing transport and logistics infrastructure, reviving Gwadar as a regional connectivity hub, and restoring investor confidence.
The minister stated that Pakistan and China are now entering a new phase of cooperation under CPEC 2.0 focused on industrialization, technological collaboration, innovation, sustainability, agriculture modernization, and people-centered development.
He explained that the future direction of CPEC cooperation would be guided by the framework of the “Five Corridors,” namely the Growth Corridor, Livelihood Corridor, Innovation Corridor, Green Corridor, and the Open and Inclusive Regional Development Corridor.
Ahsan Iqbal emphasized that these corridors align closely with Pakistan’s National Economic Transformation Plan, URAAN Pakistan, which focuses on export-led growth, digitization, innovation, energy transition, sustainability, and human development.
In a major proposal during his address, the minister called for the establishment of “Five Political Corridors” between the IDCPC and political parties of Pakistan to provide long-term political support and strategic continuity to CPEC 2.0.
He said these Political Corridors would serve as institutional platforms for strategic coordination, leadership engagement, policy continuity, and public consensus-building.
The proposed corridors include, Political Dialogue and Strategic Coordination Corridor; Development and Governance Learning Corridor; Youth, Innovation and Future Leadership Corridor; People-to-People and Cultural Connectivity Corridor; and
Ahsan Iqbal said the Development and Governance Learning Corridor would enable Pakistani political parties and institutions to learn from China’s extraordinary development experience under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, particularly in industrialization, poverty alleviation, digital governance, urban planning, and long-term development planning.
He observed that China’s success demonstrated the importance of visionary leadership, political stability, merit-based governance, long-term planning, and policy continuity.
The minister further stressed that the future of Pakistan-China friendship must be anchored in the next generation through enhanced cooperation in education, innovation, artificial intelligence, research, and youth leadership exchanges.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the timely completion of all ongoing and future CPEC projects and assured full support for the safety and security of Chinese citizens and enterprises working in Pakistan.
Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan-China friendship has remained resilient because it is rooted in mutual trust, strategic understanding, and a shared commitment to peace and development.
He said these visionary words symbolized the awakening of Asia and the rise of China, adding that through CPEC and the China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future, both countries are jointly contributing toward regional connectivity, shared prosperity, and a peaceful future for humanity.
The minister thanked the Chinese leadership and people for their steadfast support, warm hospitality, and enduring friendship with Pakistan.