NA welcomes high-level Chinese parliamentary delegation visiting Pakistan to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations
ISLAMABAD:
In a rare display of parliamentary convergence amid deep political divisions, the Treasury and Opposition benches in both houses of Parliament on Wednesday set aside their differences 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, attended the meetings of the National Assembly and Senate from the visitors’ galleries as lawmakers from across the political spectrum gave a formal welcome.
The proceedings in the National Assembly witnessed an unusual moment of unity as opposition members, who had boycotted the House over demands related to the imprisonment of Imran Khan, temporarily returned to the chamber during the visit of the Chinese delegation.
Opposition members led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai attended the meeting and joined the treasury benches to welcome the delegation as thumping on the desk marked the gesture.
Speaking as the Leader of the Opposition, Achakzai warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of the opposition parties. He highlighted the friendship between Pakistan and China, noting that the people of Pakistan will never forget China’s support, and praised China’s role in promoting regional stability and supporting smaller nations. He also acknowledged China’s contribution in the region.
PTI leader Ali Muhammad Khan also addressed the Parliament and highlighted the opposition’s solidarity with the government in international affairs, citing the support during the May 2025 India conflict and the current welcome to the Chinese delegation for the 75th anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations.
First Lady Aseefa-Bhutto Zardari was also present during the parliamentary proceedings and welcomed the visiting Chinese delegation.
After ending 75 years of diplomatic relations with China, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved a resolution in the National Assembly which was unanimously passed. The resolution paid tribute to the government and people of China on the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and reaffirmed the commitment to “the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.”
After the departure of the delegation, opposition members resumed their boycott and walked out of the house. However, their decision to attend and participate during the visit was widely noted as a constructive step that highlighted respect for international diplomatic engagements, even in times of maternity.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China and affirming the commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
As a Chinese parliamentary delegation entered the visitors’ gallery, members of Parliament knocked on desks in a gesture of warm welcome.
National Assembly Speaker 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 peoples of both countries for ending 75 years of diplomatic relations and recognized the ongoing cooperation under CPEC.
The resolution said the National Assembly extends its warmest congratulations to the government and people of the People’s Republic of China on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two fraternal nations, and expresses hope that the bond of friendship will continue to flourish with greater strength in the coming decades.
It reaffirmed Parliament’s unwavering commitment to the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and pledged continued legislative support to deepen and expand bilateral relations across all areas.
Expressing strong support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a transformative initiative for socio-economic development, regional integration and shared prosperity, Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to facilitate timely implementation of CPEC projects for the benefit of the people of Pakistan.
The House also welcomed the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Cai Dafeng, and members of the accompanying delegation, and expressed its appreciation for their gesture of goodwill and solidarity.
It reiterated the commitment to strengthen 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 Parliament expressed resolve that the next 75 years will witness an even stronger, more dynamic 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 said 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 that Pakistan-China friendship has successfully stood the test of time for the past 75 years.
Speaking in the Upper House, Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan and China enjoyed an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership based on mutual trust, mutual respect and bilateral benefit.
He said Pakistan deeply appreciated China’s unwavering support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Pakistan firmly adhered to the one-China principle and consistently supported China in its core interests and issues.
The vice premier said both countries shared a common vision on regional and global issues and maintained close coordination in the United Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and other international forums to promote peace and protect the interests of developing countries.
Referring to recent tensions in the Gulf and the Middle East, he said Pakistan and China remained in close diplomatic contact and continued to work together for peace and stability in the region.
He said he had visited Beijing on March 31 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where both sides proposed a five-point peace initiative on the regional conflict, which later received support from dozens of countries.
Highlighting the importance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Ishaq Dar termed it as the 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.
Reflecting on the early discussions leading to the launch of CPEC, Mohammad Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had faced severe electricity shortages after the 2013 general elections, with load shedding lasting up to 18 hours in urban areas and 20 hours in rural areas.
He said that China provided massive support to help Pakistan overcome the energy crisis for which the nation will always be grateful.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would pay 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 relations, meetings with the Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as well as discussions under the Pakistan-China Political Forum and the CPEC Joint Consultative Mechanism.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, Ishaq Dar said the enduring friendship between Islamabad and Beijing would continue to contribute to regional peace, prosperity and progress.
