Political leadership resolves to support, sustain CPEC

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), headed by Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, organised an event under its ‘Friends of Silk Road’ series, which brought together leaders of eight political parties to reaffirm support for CPEC.

Leaders belonging to parties from government and opposition, PMLN, PPP, PTI, MQM, BAP, NP, NDM, and JUIF, from all the provinces, were represented. They also discussed the results of the recently concluded 3rd Plenum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and its impact on China and its foreign relations.

The event was also attended by over 200 participants from different sectors like academia, media, industry, civil society, students, scholars and think tanks. In the end, Mushahid Hussain Sayed read out a Joint Statement on behalf of all participating political parties.

The statement reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their relationship with China, acclaiming the significant outcomes of the Third Plenary Session of CPC and their unshakable resolve to support, strengthen and sustain CPEC as this initiative is a guarantor for a better tomorrow for Pakistan. Earlier, Mushahid emphasised the pivotal role of CPC in China’s ongoing journey of reform and modernization which has transformed China. Citing figures of China’s phenomenal progress since the 1979 Reform & Opening Up, he said China had a per capita income of $157 then while now it was $12,000, and its GDP has risen to $18 trillion from $150 billion. He attributed the quality of leadership, ability to course correction, continuity of policy, learning from others and peaceful foreign policy to making China a success story in such a short time.

Earlier, Senator Sherry Rehman noted that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee will have far-reaching impacts not only on China but also on the world. “China has played a crucial role in the development of Global South, and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has created numerous investment opportunities in Pakistan,” she said.

Additionally, she highlighted China’s role in clean energy development under CPEC as a significant contribution to sustainable development in Pakistan and the region.

Saadia Khaqan Abbasi commended China’s leadership for technological advancement, human development and labour productivity. “The focus on security and development is a unique selling point of China,” she added.

Senator Shibli Faraz, Leader of Opposition, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), emphasised that China’s development story is a role model for the world and highlighted the Belt and Road Initiative as having the potential for shared development and prosperity across the globe. “CPEC stands as a beacon of hope for Pakistanis, symbolizing the transformative impact of our strong bilateral relationship,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, MNA JUI F Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri praised President Xi Jinping for being instrumental in driving China’s remarkable progress on the global stage.

Senator Afrasiab Khattak, Senior Leader of the National Democratic Movement, (NDM), underlined that the Communist Party of China has steered China towards unprecedented development, adding ‘Pakistan must learn from China, do a course correction and become a frontline state in economic development, focusing on geoeconomics, rather than being a frontline state in conflicts’.

Senator Jan Muhammad Jamali said, “CPEC must not be impeded at any cost.” Shezra Mansab Ali, MNA, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the One-China policy and respect for China’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty, adding that “China has consistently supported Pakistan on its core issues, including the Kashmir dispute.”

Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi, leader of the National Party, emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration between Balochistan’s universities and their Chinese counterparts. Senator Abdul Qadir from Balochistan Awami Party emphasised “Pakistan can learn economic development, infrastructure, and governance from China.”

MQM’s Taha Ahmed Khan highlighted the strategic importance of Karachi as Pakistan’s trade hub, particularly due to its proximity to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He also expressed MQM’s strong condemnation of recent attacks on Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Furthermore, Khan emphasized the importance of focusing on the Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology sectors under CPEC.

PTI’s Senator Ali Zafar said Pakistan can benefit greatly from adopting China’s sustained development. Yang Nuo, Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan, emphasized the importance of Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, describing it as a pivotal event for China’s future, saying “This session serves as a blueprint for further reforms in China, setting the stage for continued progress and development.”

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, in his closing remarks as Chief Guest, shared his experiences from numerous visits to China, emphasising the country’s consensus-oriented decision-making process. “The development I witnessed in Gwadar is a clear indicator of the transformative impact CPEC has had on the region,” he said. He highlighted the potential and benefits of the Gwadar Airport, noting that it will play a crucial role in the region’s economic growth and connectivity.