75th anniversary: Ahsan says Pakistan-China friendship never saw ‘moment of autumn,’ always stood together

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2026) Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said Pakistan-China friendship had “never seen a moment of autumn” during the past 75 years and remained resilient through mutual trust, unwavering cooperation and shared aspirations.

Addressing a Pakistan-China cultural event held to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre, he said the friendship between Islamabad and Beijing had continued to flourish in the “season of spring” with every passing year.

The cultural event was co-hosted by the Diplomatic Insight Group (DIG), in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, UNI International, the Pakistan-Chinese education Association and partner organizations.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar and Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad Shi Yuanqiang were also present on the occasion.

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan and China had emerged as all-weather strategic partners and “iron brothers” who stood shoulder to shoulder in times of peace and challenges.

“Our friendship is higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the sea, sweeter than honey and stronger than steel,” he remarked, adding that the relationship had now reached “even higher than the skies” as Pakistan’s first astronaut would join a Chinese space mission in 2026.

Highlighting the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the minister said the project was not merely a network of roads and energy plants but a gateway to shared prosperity and socio-economic transformation.

“CPEC is a bridge of development and the most concrete economic manifestation of our time-tested brotherhood,” he said.

The minister said from energy security to digital connectivity and Gwadar Port to Special Economic Zones, CPEC had opened a new chapter of strategic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Recalling the launch of CPEC in 2013, he said Pakistan had been facing severe electricity shortages and security challenges at the time.

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“When no one was willing to invest in Pakistan, China came forward and invested billions of Dollars to help Pakistan overcome its energy crisis,” he said, adding that China had demonstrated at every critical moment that it was more than a friend and truly an “iron brother.”

Ahsan Iqbal paid tribute to Chinese engineers and workers engaged in development projects in Pakistan, particularly those associated with CPEC initiatives.

He said thousands of Chinese workers had stayed away from their homes and families for years to contribute to Pakistan’s development journey.

Referring to the Dasu project incident, the minister shared that a Chinese project manager had returned to Pakistan despite concerns raised by his family following the terrorist attack.

“He told his family that Pakistan was his second home and he must return to fulfil his duty,” Ahsan Iqbal said, describing the incident as a reflection of the deep-rooted bond between the peoples of the two countries.

The minister also stressed the importance of cultural exchanges and people-to-people contacts in strengthening bilateral ties.

He said culture, art and youth interactions formed the “beating heart” of Pakistan-China relations beyond economic cooperation.

“Economic corridors are built with concrete and steel, but the corridors of the future are built through hearts and minds,” he remarked.

He said the cultural event showcased the shared heritage and mutual respect between the two nations and would help younger generations carry forward the legacy of Pakistan-China friendship.

Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan sought to transform itself into a hub of regional trade, transit and connectivity, with Gwadar Port serving as a key economic gateway for the region.

He added that cooperation under the frameworks of BRI and CPEC reflected a broader vision of regional prosperity, connectivity and South-South cooperation.

Later, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, China’s Deputy Head of Mission Shi Yuanqiang and Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar cut a cake to celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.