CPEC to Open New Opportunities for Pakistan's Development: Senate Chairman
Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani has described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a flagship manifestation of the enduring partnership between China and Pakistan, expressing confidence that the corridor's next phase would create further opportunities for industrialisation, investment, agriculture, technology, energy, connectivity, and socio-economic development.
In a statement issued on the occasion of China's National Day, celebrated on Thursday, Gilani extended his warmest felicitations to China's leadership, including President Xi Jinping. He noted that Pakistan-China cooperation extends across strategic, political, economic, defence, trade, technology, and people-to-people ties, reflecting the breadth and depth of the bilateral relationship.
The Chairman Senate characterised the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership as one of the most enduring and time-tested relationships between two nations, founded on mutual trust, respect, shared aspirations, and steadfast support. He highlighted that the ongoing year 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, describing it as a milestone that underscores the unique and enduring bond between the two countries and their peoples.
Emphasising the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in further strengthening bilateral relations, Gilani noted that regular exchanges between the Parliament of Pakistan and the National People's Congress of China provide valuable opportunities to deepen mutual understanding, strengthen institutional linkages, and advance shared interests. He also appreciated China's achievements in economic and social development, as well as its growing contribution to international cooperation, connectivity, and shared development.
The Senate chief reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to the One-China principle and expressed confidence that the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership would continue to deepen and contribute to peace, stability, and development in the region and beyond. It is worth noting that China's National Day is celebrated on October 1 each year, commemorating the proclamation of the establishment of the People's Republic of China on October 1, 1949. Pakistan-China diplomatic, military, and economic ties were established in May 1951, marking the beginning of a relationship that has flourished for over seven decades.