China \u2014 Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partner \u2014 on Thursday lauded Islamabad\u2019s responsible conduct during the recent standoff with India. Speaking at a luncheon hosted by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong appreciated the recent return of peace and stability in the region and hoped that peace will bring dividends for Pakistan. Earlier this month, Pakistan’s armed forces launched a large-scale retaliatory military action, named “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos”, and targeted several Indian military targets across multiple regions. The strikes, described by officials as “precise and proportionate”, were carried out in response to India’s continued aggression across the Line of Control (LoC) and within Pakistan’s territory, which New Delhi claimed were aimed at “terrorist targets”. Pakistan downed India’s six fighter jets, including three Rafale, and dozens of drones. After at least 87 hours, the war between the two nuclear-armed nations ended on May 10 with a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. The military confrontation between the two countries was triggered by last month\u2019s attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that left 26 tourists dead, with India blaming Pakistan for the attack without offering any evidence. During the meeting at the luncheon today, the planning minister extended gratitude to the Chinese ambassador and Beijing for extending Pakistan’s unwavering support during times of crisis. \u201cAt every critical juncture in our history, China has stood by Pakistan as a rock-solid partner. Our friendship is not seasonal\u2014it is a bond forged in trust, mutual respect, and shared dreams for the future,\u201d the minister added. The meeting underscored the shared resolve to fast-track ongoing and future initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The planning minister briefed the Chinese ambassador that Gwadar Port has now been fully connected to the national power grid, with tangible progress toward full operationalisation. \u201cConnecting Gwadar to the national grid marks a turning point for making it a true gateway to prosperity, not just for Pakistan but for the entire region. CPEC is the engine that will power Pakistan\u2019s economic transformation and regional integration,\u201d said Iqbal. Chinese Ambassador Jiang echoed the sentiment, stating that Gwadar\u2019s strategic relevance is gaining global recognition, and reaffirmed China\u2019s steadfast commitment to supporting its development. He also commended Minister Iqbal\u2019s long-standing leadership and dedication to making CPEC a flagship of regional cooperation. Discussions also focused on preparations for the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, scheduled for July 2025. Minister Iqbal expressed Pakistan\u2019s resolve to ensure a productive and results-oriented meeting. \u201cThe upcoming JCC is an opportunity to elevate our cooperation to the next level. We aim to move from planning to performance \u2014 ensuring that every project delivers impact on the ground for our people,\u201d he emphasised. Ambassador Jiang reiterated China\u2019s full support for Pakistan\u2019s development under the \u201cUraan Pakistan\u201d vision. Minister Iqbal highlighted the potential of linking Gwadar with Central Asia and Afghanistan, enabling regional access to global markets through Pakistan. On agricultural cooperation, Iqbal shared that the first cohort of Chinese-sponsored agriculture graduates is currently undergoing specialised training in Pakistan. \u201cThese young minds, selected through a competitive process, will become catalysts in modernising Pakistan\u2019s agri-economy. With Chinese support, we are sowing the seeds of a food-secure and prosperous Pakistan,\u201d he stated. He emphasised the urgency of launching the Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase-II upgrade and the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, calling them strategic arteries of Pakistan\u2019s economic future. He also proposed academic linkages, suggesting partnerships between top Chinese universities and Pakistan\u2019s Daanish University, as well as between Chinese medical institutions and the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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