NA welcomes high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation visiting Pakistan to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations
ISLAMABAD:
In a rare show of parliamentary convergence amid deep political divisions, the Treasury and opposition benches in both houses of parliament put aside their differences on Wednesday to welcome a high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation visiting Pakistan to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
The delegation, led by Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the standing committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, attended the proceedings in the National Assembly and Senate from the visitors’ galleries as lawmakers from across the political spectrum gave formal welcomes.
The proceedings in the National Assembly witnessed a rare moment of unity when opposition members, who had been boycotting the chamber over demands related to the imprisonment of Imran Khan, temporarily returned to the chamber during the Chinese delegation’s visit.
Opposition members led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai participated in the session and joined the treasury benches in welcoming the delegation, banging on the desk as a gesture.
Speaking as leader of the opposition, Achakzai warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of the opposition parties. He highlighted the friendship between Pakistan and China, noted that the people of Pakistan will never forget China’s support and praised China’s role in promoting regional stability and supporting smaller nations. He also recognized China’s contributions in the region.
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan also addressed the House and highlighted the opposition’s solidarity with the government on international affairs, referring to the support during the May 2025 India conflict and the current welcome to the Chinese delegation for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
First Lady Aseefa-Bhutto Zardari was also present during the parliamentary proceedings and welcomed the visiting Chinese delegation.
On the occasion of 75 years of diplomatic relations with China, the Federal Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, presented a resolution in the National Assembly, which was adopted unanimously. The resolution congratulated the government and people of China on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and reaffirmed commitment to the “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.”
Following the departure of the delegation, opposition members resumed their boycott and left the House. However, his decision to attend and participate during the visit was widely regarded as a constructive step that highlights respect for international diplomatic commitments even in times of acrimony.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reaffirming the commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
As a Chinese parliamentary delegation entered the visitors’ gallery, House members banged their desks in a gesture of warm welcome.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq formally greeted the delegation while First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the visiting delegation.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry introduced the resolution, which congratulated the governments and people of both countries for completing 75 years of diplomatic relations and recognized the ongoing cooperation under the CPEC.
The resolution says that the National Assembly extends its warmest congratulations to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sister nations, expressing the hope that the bond of friendship will continue to flourish more strongly in the coming decades.
He reaffirmed the House’s unwavering commitment to the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China, pledging continued legislative support to deepen and broaden bilateral relations in all spheres.
Expressing strong support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a transformative initiative for socio-economic development, regional integration and shared prosperity, the Chamber affirmed its commitment to facilitate timely completion of CPEC projects for the benefit of the people of Pakistan.
The House also welcomed the vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Cai Dafeng, and the members of his accompanying delegation, and expressed its gratitude for their gesture of goodwill and solidarity.
He reiterated commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and legislative cooperation between the National Assembly of Pakistan and the National People’s Congress of China as a key pillar of bilateral relations.
The House expressed its determination that the next 75 years will witness an even stronger, more dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership between Pakistan and China, based on shared aspirations of peace, development and prosperity.
Ishaq Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, welcoming a parliamentary delegation led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Cai Dafeng to the Senate on Wednesday, said the friendship between Pakistan and China had successfully stood the test of time over the past 75 years.
Speaking in the Upper House, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan and China enjoy strategic cooperative partnership at all times, based on mutual trust, mutual respect and bilateral benefit.
He said Pakistan deeply appreciates China’s unwavering support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Pakistan firmly adhered to the One China principle and consistently supported China on its core interests and issues.
The Deputy Prime Minister said both countries shared a common vision on regional and global issues and maintained close coordination at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and other international forums to promote peace and safeguard the interests of developing nations.
Referring to the recent tensions in the Gulf and the Middle East, he said Pakistan and China remained in close diplomatic contact and continued to work together for peace and stability in the region.
He said he had visited Beijing on March 31 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where both sides proposed a five-point peace initiative regarding the regional conflict, which later received support from dozens of countries.
Ishaq Dar highlighted the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and termed it as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a shining symbol of bilateral friendship.
He said that CPEC had transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape and expressed confidence that its next phase would focus on industrialization, agriculture, information technology and socio-economic development.
Recalling the early discussions that led to the launch of the CPEC, Mohammad Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had been facing severe power outages after the 2013 general elections, with load shedding lasting up to 18 hours in urban areas and 20 hours in rural regions.
He said China provided massive support to help Pakistan overcome the energy crisis, for which the nation will always be grateful.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will pay an official visit to China from May 23 to 26, accompanied by a high-level delegation.
He said the visit would include celebrations for 75 years of diplomatic relations, meetings with Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as discussions under the Pakistan-China Political Forum and the CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism.
Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and said the long-standing friendship between Islamabad and Beijing will continue to contribute to regional peace, prosperity and progress.
