PM, Chinese envoy discuss economic, security ties

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador in Islamabad Jiang Zaidong on Friday called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here wherein they discussed the matters related to economic and security cooperation between the two countries.

The prime minister greeted the ambassador and conveyed his good wishes to the Chinese leadership and the people of China, including all Chinese nationals residing in Pakistan, as they celebrated the Chinese New Year, according to a PM Office press release.

He expressed the hope that this new year would further strengthen the bonds of friendship between Pakistan and China and bring prosperity to the peoples of both countries.

Ambassador Jiang Zaidong thanked the prime minister and the people of Pakistan for extending their warm wishes to the Chinese government and its people on this joyous occasion.

Meanwhile, the prime minister, in his message on World Interfaith Harmony Week being observed from February 1st to 7th, urged the religious scholars, community leaders and citizens to play their role in promoting brotherhood as extremism and divisive rhetoric were threat to social peace and harmony.

The prime minister shared these views while joining the international community in observing World Interfaith Harmony, a PM Office news release said.

Shehbaz said this week served as a powerful reminder of the importance of dialogue, understanding, and cooperation among diverse religious communities.

“Pakistan, envisioned by our founding father Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as a sanctuary for all faiths, remains steadfast in its constitutional oath to protect every citizens’ right to belief, dignity, and equality.

“Our faith, rooted in Islam’s timeless teachings of justice, mercy, and respect for all creation, compels us to lead by example,” the prime minister said.

He resolved that the government would continue to uphold these values through policies that promote inclusivity and social cohesion.

“To those who sow hatred, we respond with dialogue. To those who preach fear, we answer with courage. To those who divide, we build bridges,” the prime minister said.

He added that the government was committed to fostering an environment of acceptance, tolerance, and mutual respect.

The groundbreaking Interfaith Harmony Policy and Strategy of Religious Tolerance were enforced, targeting hate speech at its core, safeguarding every temple, church, and shrine, the prime minister said. He underscored that despite policy interventions implemented, the government recognised that challenges persist.

“Extremism and divisive rhetoric, remain threats to our social fabric. At a time when the world faces growing challenges of intolerance and division, it is essential to reaffirm our collective commitment to peace and unity,” he said.

“May this week inspire us all to embrace the values of tolerance and cooperation, ensuring a peaceful and prosperous future for all,” the prime minister said.