PESHAWAR, Jan 30 (APP): Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Finance Muzammil Aslam, on Friday said that the friendship between Pakistan and China is one of the rare relationships in the world that has continued to grow stronger with time, changing circumstances, and global transformations.
Addressing a ceremony organized by China Window to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–China friendship and the Chinese Spring Festival, Muzammil Aslam said the bilateral relationship is not limited to diplomacy or economics but is a living bond rooted in trust, mutual respect, brotherhood, and cooperation.
He said Pakistan’s decision to recognize the People’s Republic of China in 1951 has, 75 years later, proven to be a farsighted and principled move, resulting in a strong and sustainable partnership.
He added that the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the flagship project of Pak–China friendship, which has played a key role in transforming Pakistan’s economy.
Energy projects under CPEC have helped ease the electricity crisis, road infrastructure has improved connectivity from north to south, and Gwadar Port has enhanced Pakistan’s importance on the regional and global trade map.
Muzammil Aslam said the development of Special Economic Zones is opening new avenues for investment, industrial growth, and employment, adding that China has always treated Pakistan as an equal partner, which is why China enjoys widespread respect and goodwill among the Pakistani people.
Former governors Haji Ghulam Ali and Iqbal Zafar Jhagra also addressed the gathering. Haji Ghulam Ali said China has consistently stood by Pakistan during difficult times, including wars, natural disasters, and periods of international pressure.
He described Pakistan–China relations as a “strong fortress” built on mutual trust and praised China Window for promoting bilateral friendship.
Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said the strength of Pakistan–China ties lies in trust rather than transactional interests.
He termed CPEC a game changer for Pakistan and the region, contributing significantly to energy, infrastructure, and industrial development, and lauded China Window for enhancing people-to-people contacts.
Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Dawood Khan emphasized the need to pass Pakistan–China friendship on to the younger generation through education, culture, and media, noting that institutions like China Window are playing an important role at the grassroots level.
The ceremony was attended by former governors, senior officials, academics, religious leaders, members of the business community, journalists, students, and citizens from various walks of life.
A cake was cut to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–China friendship, and shields were distributed among participants.
China Window Administrator Amjad Aziz Malik earlier welcomed the guests and said the event aimed to convey a message of peace and goodwill from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the people of China.