NA welcomes high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation visiting Pakistan to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties
ISLAMABAD:
In a rare display of parliamentary convergence amid deep political divisions, the Treasury and Opposition benches of both houses of Parliament put aside their differences on Wednesday to welcome a high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation visiting Pakistan to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
The delegation, led by Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the standing committee of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and accompanied by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, watched the proceedings of the National Assembly and the Senate from the visitors’ galleries as lawmakers from across the political spectrum extended an official welcome.
The proceedings in the National Assembly witnessed an unusual moment of unity when opposition members, who had boycotted the House over demands related to Imran Khan’s incarceration, temporarily returned to the hall during the Chinese delegation’s visit.
Opposition members led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai participated in the session and joined the Treasury benches to welcome the delegation, clapping their desks marking the gesture.
Speaking as opposition leader, Achakzai warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of the opposition parties. He highlighted the friendship between Pakistan and China, noting that the Pakistani people will never forget China’s support, and praised China’s role in promoting regional stability and supporting small nations. He also recognized China’s contributions in the region.
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan also addressed the House and highlighted the opposition’s solidarity with the government on international issues, referring to the support given during India’s May 2025 conflict and the current hosting of the Chinese delegation for the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.
First Lady Aseefa-Bhutto Zardari was also present during the parliamentary proceedings and welcomed the visiting Chinese delegation.
At the end of 75 years of diplomatic relations with China, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry presented a resolution in the National Assembly, which was adopted unanimously. The resolution congratulates the Chinese government and people on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and reaffirms commitment to the “ironclad strategic cooperative partnership.”
After the departure of the delegation, the opposition MPs resumed their boycott and left the House. However, their decision to attend and participate in the visit was widely seen as a constructive step underscoring respect for international diplomatic commitments, even in times of acrimony.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reaffirming the commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
As a Chinese parliamentary delegation entered the visitors’ gallery, House members knocked on the desks in a warm welcoming gesture.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq formally greeted the delegation, while First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also welcomed the visiting delegation.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved the resolution, which congratulated the governments and people of the two countries on the completion of 75 years of diplomatic relations and recognized the continued cooperation under the CPEC framework.
The resolution said the National Assembly extends its warmest congratulations to the government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two fraternal nations, expressing hope that the ties of friendship will continue to flourish with greater strength in the decades to come.
He reaffirmed the House’s unwavering commitment to the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, pledging continued legislative support for deepening and broadening bilateral relations in all fields.
Expressing strong support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a transformative initiative for socio-economic development, regional integration and shared prosperity, the Chamber affirmed its commitment to facilitate timely completion of CPEC projects for the benefit of the people of Pakistan.
The Chamber also welcomed Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Cai Dafeng and members of the accompanying delegation, and expressed gratitude for their gesture of goodwill and solidarity.
He reiterated the commitment to strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and legislative cooperation between the National Assembly of Pakistan and the National People’s Congress of China as a key pillar of bilateral relations.
The Chamber expressed its resolve that the next 75 years will witness an even stronger, more vibrant and mutually beneficial partnership between Pakistan and China, based on shared aspirations for peace, development and prosperity.
Ishaq Dar
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, while welcoming a parliamentary delegation led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China Cai Dafeng to the Senate on Wednesday, said that the friendship between Pakistan and China has successfully stood the test of time over the past 75 years.
Speaking in the Upper House, Ishaq Dar said Pakistan and China enjoy an ironclad strategic cooperative partnership based on mutual trust, mutual respect and bilateral benefits.
He said Pakistan deeply appreciates China’s unwavering support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Pakistan firmly adheres to the one-China principle and consistently supports China on its core interests and issues.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the two countries share a common vision on regional and global issues and maintain close coordination within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and other international forums to promote peace and safeguard the interests of developing countries.
Referring to recent tensions in the Gulf and Middle East, he said Pakistan and China remain in close diplomatic contact and continue to work together for peace and stability in the region.
He said he visited Beijing on March 31 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where the two sides proposed a five-point peace initiative regarding the regional conflict, which later received the support of dozens of countries.
Highlighting the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Ishaq Dar called it a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative and a shining symbol of bilateral friendship.
He said CPEC had transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape and expressed confidence that its next phase would focus on industrialization, agriculture, information technology and socio-economic development.
Recalling the initial discussions that led to the launch of CPEC, Mohammad Ishaq Dar said Pakistan was facing severe power shortages following the 2013 general elections, with load shedding lasting up to 18 hours in urban areas and 20 hours in rural areas.
He said China had provided massive support to help Pakistan overcome the energy crisis, for which the nation would always be grateful.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would undertake an official visit to China from May 23 to 26, accompanied by a high-level delegation.
He said the visit would include celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic ties, meetings with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as discussions under the Pakistan-China Political Forum and the CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism.
Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations and said the enduring friendship between Islamabad and Beijing would continue to contribute to regional peace, prosperity and progress.
