The China-Pakistan Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad convened an international seminar to mark 75 years of Pakistan China relations, bringing together diplomats, scholars and practitioners from both countries to reflect on deepening cooperation in diplomacy, security and development.
Chief Guest Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan, traced the relationship to Silk Road roots and praised China’s policy of non-interference and respect for sovereignty as central to the durable, all-weather friendship. He paid tribute to leadership on both sides and underscored Pakistan’s support for China in international forums while outlining growing ties in defence, infrastructure, energy, aviation and emerging technologies.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG ISSI, described the partnership as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” rooted in mutual trust and sovereign equality. He noted that Phase I of CPEC bolstered energy and infrastructure, while Phase II will prioritise industrial cooperation, agriculture, SEZs and socio-economic uplift with Gwadar positioned as a regional economic hub.
Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, reaffirmed that Pakistan China relations have remained resilient and “iron-clad” despite global shifts. He identified CPEC as the central pillar of Belt and Road cooperation and outlined its evolution toward a Phase II agenda focused on industry, mining, innovation, green development and greater employment opportunities.
Speakers highlighted practical priorities for cooperation. Ambassador Masood Khalid recalled landmark connectivity projects such as the Karakoram Highway and emphasised mutual respect and non-interference. Dr. Fazal ur Rehman urged acceleration of SEZ development and improvements to the investment climate, while Dr. Hassan Daud Butt stressed a future-oriented partnership concentrating on technology, space, agriculture and data-driven policymaking to support industrialisation and Gwadar optimisation.
Voices from China at the seminar, including Prof. Yunsong Huang and Dr. Ma Zheng, highlighted the stabilising impact of the bilateral relationship amid global uncertainty and called for strengthened strategic communication, counterterrorism cooperation and deeper people-to-people exchanges. Dr. Gulshan Rafiq emphasised the human dimension, noting that academic cooperation and student mobility are essential to long-term sustainability.
Director CPSC Dr. Talat Shabbir reiterated that Pakistan China ties are built on mutual respect and consistent support for core interests, with CPEC serving as a flagship project for regional connectivity, stability and shared development. Participants expressed confidence that Phase II of CPEC and expanded collaboration in AI, digital technologies, space cooperation, climate resilience and green development will deepen connectivity and shared prosperity across Pakistan and the wider region.
