PESHAWAR: Adviser to Chief Minister on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif on Tuesday called for creating more opportunities for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) cluster of projects.
He said this while speaking at a special ceremony arranged at the China Window or Chinese Cultural Centre in connection with the 75th National Day celebrations of the People’s Republic of China.
Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ali Banafshekhah, politicians, artistes, sportsmen and others were in attendance. Saif praised the centre’s role in strengthening ties between the two nations, highlighting its importance in Peshawar.
“Today, we are not just celebrating an event; we are honouring a deep-rooted friendship,” Saif stated, emphasizing the historic bond that has flourished between the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and their Chinese counterparts. He extended congratulations on behalf of the KP government to Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and the people of China on the national day of the brotherly country.
Saif lauded China’s remarkable progress since its founding in 1949, urging Pakistan to learn from its development model.“Our friendship with China is not just a diplomatic statement; it reflects the genuine emotions of our people,” he remarked.
Discussing the transformative impact of the CPEC, Saif emphasized its potential to create economic opportunities for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.He called for continued prioritization of the province in future phases of CPEC, particularly in agriculture and information technology, promising the KP government’s commitment to leveraging these opportunities for the benefit of the local populace.
Saif commended the China Window administrator Amjad Aziz Malik for his efforts in fostering bilateral relations through the China Window and offered support from the provincial government as well.
Earlier, the Iranian Consul General Ali Banafshekha emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and cultural ties among China, Iran, and Pakistan.“The People’s Republic of China has emerged as an economic power, competing with the West, and through its non-colonial approach, it has promoted beneficial cooperation across the world’s largest and most important continent,” he remarked.
Highlighting Iran’s commitment to regional partnerships, the Iranian diplomat stressed the importance of fostering strong ties among Iran, Pakistan, and China, particularly in the fields of economic and cultural cooperation.