Politicians greet Communist Party of China on centenary

ISLAMABAD: The political parties on Thursday congratulated the Communist Party of China on its centenary and vowed to learn from the Chinese experience.

In commemoration of the 100 years of the Communist Party of China, the Pakistan-China Institute organized a webinar titled “People Centered: Celebrating 100 Years of CPC”. This virtual conference aimed at learning from the Chinese experience under the CPC leadership and highlighted new dimensions to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

The strategy of the CPC in alleviating poverty from the country 10 years ahead of the United Nation’s target was discussed and appreciated. A dedicated panel of nine speakers consisting of parliamentarians and the ambassador of China spoke on the 100 years of the CPC.

All the speakers were unanimous in highlighting the contributions of the CPC in transforming China under the banner of Socialism. This was the first of its kind webinar engaging top leadership of Pakistan and China as the two countries also commemorated 70 years of their bilateral relationship.

The webinar was moderated by Executive Director of Pakistan China Institute, Mustafa Hyder Syed. In his opening remarks, Mustafa highlighted the contributions of the CPC for the people of China and how the leadership carried the same spirit of serving people till today.

He quoted President Xi Jinping who at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic had said that China will fight the pandemic as this is a people’s battle, and once the vaccine is developed, China would distribute it for “greater public good”.

Senator Mushahid Hussain, Chairman Senate Defence Committee, who also heads the Pakistan China Institute (PCI), read out a congratulatory letter signed by the representatives of nine major Pakistani political parties to President Xi Jinping. He said there is unanimity of opinion in Pakistan on China.

He highlighted the contribution of CPC Chairman Mao Zedong for the Chinese people, especially women as he liberated them from feudal bondage and gave them equal opportunity as he famously said “women hold high the sky”.

Moreover, he highlighted the role of the CPC during the last 40 years for bringing 800 million people out of poverty and contributing to a peaceful rise of China.

In her keynote speech, Senator Sania Nishtar, minister for Poverty Alleviation, highlighted the remarkable success of the CPC in eradicating poverty. She said Pakistan is keen to learn from the Chinese model.

She said the CPEC has the potential to eradicate poverty as it has already created over 70,000 jobs, and more will be created once prioritized special economic zones become operational in the near future.

Ambassador Nong Rong thanked Mushahid for reading the congratulatory letter from the representatives of the major political parties. He said that since its founding, the CPC has worked for the rejuvenation of Chinese people and has led Chinese people to improve their livelihoods. “The CPC has led China through historic transformation and has brought Socialism into a new era,” he said, adding that China has supported Pakistan in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and will continue to do so. He said Pakistan and China always supported each other’s core interests.

Senator Taj Haider highlighted the sacrifices and contributions of the CPC in bringing a revolutionary change in China. He said the CPC’s 100 years enshrine contributions for the people as it promised a better future, alleviated poverty, ended slavery and modernized the country. He said Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto played a pivotal role in promoting Pakistan-China relations.

Senator Anwarul Haq Kakar, parliamentary leader, Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), thanked China for its continued support to Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the year 2021 marks 70 years of Pakistan-China bilateral relations and 100 years for the CPC. He defined new pathways for strengthening exchanges between the CPC and Pakistan’s political parties.

Senator Qasim Roonjho, parliamentary leader, Balochistan National Party-Mengal, congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping for eradicating poverty. He said the Gwadar port, which is the centerpiece of the CPEC, has already become operational and is expected to become a regional economic hub. He highlighted that Balochistan is a land of opportunities as it has a coastal belt.

Liu Genfa, deputy director general of the Department of International Exchange and Programme Development of China Executive Leadership Academy Pudong (CELAP) based in Shanghai, said the CPC, by far, is the largest political party in the world, and its success lies in the support of Chinese people. He spoke of the reforms and opening up of China since 1978 and how the country advanced with Socialism.

In his concluding remarks, Mustafa Hyder Syed said the CPC’s legitimacy lies in its unprecedented economic growth and people-centric policies, and highlighted the concerted efforts spanning over 40 years to alleviate poverty in the country. He said public opinion polls show 90% satisfaction of Chinese people with the CPC performance and ability to deliver for issues that matter to them. The webinar lasted for two hours and hosted over 50 participants who gained a lot of knowledge from the insightful conversations revolving around Pakistan-China relationship.