Chinese parliamentary delegation witnesses NA proceedings

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th May, 2026) A 14-member Chinese parliamentary delegation led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Cai Dafeng on Wednesday witnessed the proceedings of the National Assembly.

Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the delegation arrived in Pakistan to participate in celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

He highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries, noting that Pakistan–China relations have remained a cornerstone of regional stability and cooperation.

Recalling key milestones in bilateral ties, the Speaker referred to the historic visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Pakistan in April 2015, during which he addressed Parliament in a landmark session.

He added that during the same visit, President Xi Jinping, along with then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, inaugurated the Parliament’s solar power project, making Pakistan’s Parliament the first in the world to be powered by solar energy.

Ayaz Sadiq also extended greetings and felicitations to Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, acknowledging his role in further strengthening parliamentary relations between the two countries.

He said he had met Zhao Leji during his state visit to China in January and reiterated Pakistan’s warm welcome to the Chinese delegation in the National Assembly, describing them as “brothers” in a longstanding and trusted friendship.

Federal Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, while addressing the House, welcomed the visiting high-level parliamentary delegation led by Cai Dafeng, along with other distinguished members and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong.

He said the visit comes at a historic juncture as both countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, adding that Pakistan–China friendship stands as a model of inter-state relations based on mutual trust, respect, and shared interests.

He added that the relationship has remained resilient amid changing global and regional circumstances and continues to grow stronger with time.

The minister also conveyed warm greetings to the President of China and the Chairman of the National People’s Congress, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening bilateral ties.

Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai described Pakistan and China as close and time-tested friends, saying the relationship is often characterised as “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the seas.” He praised China’s continued support for Pakistan and acknowledged its global leadership role.

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Senior parliamentarian Syed Naveed Qamar said the relationship had strengthened over decades due to consistent efforts by successive governments, noting that the foundations laid during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure and reinforced by President Asif Ali Zardari’s visits to China reflect the depth of ties.

He said President Asif Ali Zardari had demonstrated special commitment towards Pakistan-China ties through his repeated visits to different regions of China, adding that he was perhaps among the most travelled Pakistani heads of state to China.

He said these engagements reflected the extraordinary nature of Pakistan’s relationship with China, which occupied a special place not only in the hearts of the Pakistani people but also in the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Syed Naveed Qamar said the celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China highlighted the deep-rooted friendship and unwavering cooperation between the two nations.

Former Federal minister and MQM-Pakistan senior leader Syed Aminul Haque said Pakistan-China relations had stood the test of time and remained a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy and national consensus.

Addressing the National Assembly during a reception for the visiting parliamentary delegation led by Cai Dafeng, he said the friendship between Pakistan and China was based on deep trust, mutual respect and shared interests.

He said the current year held special significance as both countries were celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Syed Aminul Haque said the strength, resilience and depth of the Pakistan-China partnership reflected decades of consistent engagement at all levels, adding that the relationship had remained stable despite global and regional challenges.

He said Pakistan remained committed to further strengthening cooperation with China at bilateral, regional and multilateral forums. He added that Pakistan looked forward to carrying forward the historic friendship to even greater heights in the coming years.

Shahida Begum, speaking in the House, welcomed the Chinese delegation on behalf of her party, Jamiat Ulama-e-Islam (JUI) and its leadership, Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

She said the 75-year-old friendship is based on sincerity, trust, and mutual respect, and has evolved into a symbol of enduring cooperation and brotherhood.

She reaffirmed commitment to further strengthening the all-weather strategic partnership for regional peace and stability, expressing hope that the “iron brotherhood” would continue to grow stronger in the years ahead.

APP/zah-sra