WNAM REPORT: The Pakistan-China Friendship Group in Parliament held its first meeting on Tuesday at the Parliament House under the convenership of Senator Sherry Rehman, reaffirming the “All-weather, time-tested iron-clad friendship between Pakistan and the People’s Republic of China.”
The meeting brought together senior parliamentarians from across Pakistan and a high-level delegation from China led by His Excellency Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan.
Opening the session, Senator Sherry Rehman warmly welcomed the Chinese delegation and emphasized that the formation of the Friendship Group represents “a high-level parliamentary platform dedicated to enhancing our historic and strategic relations with our most trusted friend, China.”
Speaking on behalf of all parliamentary parties and the people of Pakistan, she appreciated China’s consistent and unwavering support to Pakistan across all fields of national life, extending gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his visionary global and bilateral leadership. “His leadership has been transformative, translating into CPEC Phase 1.0 and 2.0, bringing over $56 billion in investment over the last decade.”
Senator Rehman underscored that Pakistan’s friendship with China, rooted in history since 1951, has stood firm through regional and global shifts. “China’s remarkable success in lifting over 800 million people out of poverty offers powerful lessons for Pakistan, especially as we focus on poverty alleviation and agricultural resilience amid the growing challenge of climate change*,” she said.
Senator Rehman commended the strategic leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari—who has paid two recent visits to China—and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for their dedicated efforts in deepening bilateral cooperation and strengthening the enduring partnership with our Chinese brothers.
Senator Rehman highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economic transformation, bringing billions of dollars in infrastructure and energy investment. She termed China Pakistan’s “largest and most vital trading partner,” while calling for enhanced people-to-people exchanges, business forums, and academic collaborations to further deepen mutual understanding.
She also appreciated China’s continuous support in the Karakoram Highway expansion, poverty alleviation, counter-terrorism efforts, and support for Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue. She also noted the importance of joint cooperation on water challenges with India, emphasizing that shared learning and sustainable water management are crucial for regional stability.
Senator Rehman further emphasized “We share joint concerns in addressing borderless challenges such as climate change, poverty, terrorism, and artificial intelligence. We also value China’s firm support in safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty against external challenges.
We look forward to expanding trade, with competitive terms similar to those offered to ASEAN countries. Our friendship is enduring — for our iron brothers, today and always”
Focusing on Pakistan’s agricultural future, Senator Rehman emphasized that China’s agricultural support could be “revolutionary and transformative” for Pakistan’s rural economy.
“China’s agricultural cooperation with Pakistan is not merely an exchange of technology — it is a new chapter in rural empowerment,”
She underscored that agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and through strategic collaboration with China, “Pakistan can move from subsistence to sustainability, and from vulnerability to vitality.”
Senator Rehman visions enhanced cooperation in agro-innovation, seed technology, water-efficient farming, and farmer training programs, calling it “a new frontier of Pakistan-China cooperation that can redefine food security and rural progress in South Asia.”
In his remarks, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong appreciated the participation of senators from all regions of Pakistan and reaffirmed that the strategic leadership and partnership between China and Pakistan will continue to grow stronger. He praised the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, noting that both countries remain united in safeguarding sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Highlighting the 15th Five-Year Plan of the CPC Central Committee, Ambassador Jiang said that it lays a foundation for joint progress in combating climate change and driving economic transformation. “China and Pakistan share the same development philosophy — prioritizing people, stability, and innovation to face an evolving global landscape,” he noted.
He emphasized the significance of agricultural cooperation, describing it as “the heart of poverty alleviation.” “The farmer is the key to lifting communities from poverty,” he said, announcing China’s support through donations of agricultural machinery, scientific planning, and a five-year transition framework aimed at enhancing industrial growth, employment, and rural development.
The Ambassador also mentioned upcoming projects including the establishment of 100 hospitals in Balochistan, new development and economic zones, which will generate local employment and improve water resource management. He also announced further collaboration in student exchange programs and technical training to deepen educational ties.
In response to the interactive discussion by senators representing diverse provinces, Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed that China’s support for Pakistan remains unwavering “in all times and under all circumstances.”
Concluding the session, Senator Sherry Rehman expressed gratitude to the Chinese delegation, saying, “We are proud to share one of the world’s most enduring and resilient friendships. As China leads the world in poverty alleviation and sustainable development, Pakistan looks forward to expanding our cooperation in agriculture, water management, and economic modernization.”
She added that this inaugural session marks “the beginning of a renewed vision and a deeper understanding” between the two nations.
The meeting was attended by Senators Naseema Ehsan, Samina Mumtaz Zehri, Ashraf Ali Jatoi, Faisal Saleem Rahman, Munzoor Ahmed, Bushra Anjum Butt, Palwasha Mohammad Zai Khan, Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan, Dilawar Khan, Abdul Qadir, and Waqar Mehdi, among others.
