CPEC to open new chapter of economic transformation in Pakistan: PA Speaker Ahmad

Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Tuesday said that the 75-year diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and the China represented one of the most enduring partnerships in contemporary international relations, founded on mutual trust, strategic cooperation and shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th May, 2026) Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Tuesday said that the 75-year diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and the China represented one of the most enduring partnerships in contemporary international relations, founded on mutual trust, strategic cooperation and shared commitment to regional peace and prosperity.

Addressing a seminar organised at Beaconhouse National University to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, here, he said the bilateral relationship had successfully withstood geopolitical challenges and evolved into an “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership” admired globally for its consistency and resilience.

The seminar was attended by Chinese Consul General Sun Yan, former ambassador Mansoor Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor BNU Moeed Yusuf, Professor Liu Zongyi, academics, diplomats, researchers and students.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said China had consistently supported Pakistan in areas of economic stability, infrastructure development and strategic progress, adding that bilateral ties had now expanded beyond traditional diplomacy into economic integration, technological collaboration, educational exchange and people-to-people connectivity.

Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he described it as a transformative initiative that had redefined economic cooperation between the two countries and laid the foundation for sustainable growth, regional connectivity and infrastructure modernisation in Pakistan.

He said the next phase of CPEC would focus on industrialisation, agricultural modernisation, technological innovation, mineral development and private-sector partnerships while creating long-term employment opportunities for the youth.

The Speaker said Special Economic Zones and the ML-1 railway modernisation project were of critical importance for Pakistan’s economic future and regional competitiveness.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

He added that Punjab had emerged as the economic engine of Pakistan during the first phase of CPEC and stressed the need to transform sister-city relations, particularly between Lahore and Chengdu, into practical partnerships in trade, education, tourism and technology.

Highlighting China’s development achievements, he said the country’s success in lifting more than 800 million people out of poverty was among the greatest accomplishments in modern history and noted that Pakistan could benefit from China’s governance model, poverty alleviation strategies and long-term economic planning.

He said the future of Pakistan-China relations would increasingly depend on stronger cooperation among universities, research institutions, entrepreneurs, media organisations and civil society, adding that education, innovation and promotion of the Chinese language would play an important role in strengthening bilateral relations.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also announced that a parliamentary delegation of the Punjab Assembly would visit China on May 21 to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and further enhance parliamentary, economic, educational and cultural engagement between Punjab and various Chinese provinces.

Addressing the seminar, Chinese Consul General Mr. Sun Yan described Pakistan-China friendship as a cornerstone of regional peace, strategic stability, and shared development.

Former Ambassador Mansoor Ahmad Khan highlighted the growing multidimensional nature of bilateral relations, while Vice Chancellor BNU Dr. Moeed Yusuf emphasized the importance of strengthening academic and research partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese institutions.

Professor Liu Zongyi stressed the need for enhanced intellectual collaboration and policy dialogue to further consolidate the long-standing partnership between the two countries.