Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that China has consistently stood by Pakistan “like a rock” through every difficult time, as both countries marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in Islamabad on Thursday.
Addressing a ceremony held to commemorate the milestone, the prime minister said the friendship between Pakistan and China had grown stronger over time and stood as a unique example in international relations.
He said Pakistan was the first Islamic country to recognise China, adding that the celebration of long-standing ties was a matter of great pride for the nation.
Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s full support for the One China policy, stating that Islamabad had always backed Beijing without hesitation or fear. He also acknowledged China’s support during natural disasters, including floods, and praised its continued assistance in difficult times.
The prime minister highlighted the importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), calling it a vital project for Pakistan’s economic development, infrastructure growth and job creation.
He noted that China’s economic transformation, including lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty, served as a global model of development and governance.
He further said Pakistan had strengthened cooperation with China in counterterrorism efforts and assured that all Chinese nationals in Pakistan were being provided the highest level of security.
On education cooperation, the prime minister recalled his announcement to send 1,000 Pakistani students to China, thanking Beijing for turning the initiative into reality.
He also said Pakistan was actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to help resolve the Iran–US tensions, adding that China had supported Pakistan’s mediation role in regional peace efforts.
President Asif Ali Zardari also addressed the ceremony, congratulating Chinese leadership and President Xi Jinping on 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said Pakistan–China relations were built on mutual trust, shared development goals and unwavering support at all times. He added that cooperation had expanded in trade, investment, defence, infrastructure, technology and people-to-people exchanges.
The president said both countries would continue working together for peace, stability and multilateral cooperation at regional and global levels.
He thanked China for its support in key development projects, especially Gwadar Port, and described CPEC as a transformative initiative for Pakistan’s socio-economic progress.
Paying tribute to President Xi Jinping’s leadership, Zardari said China had achieved remarkable economic growth and poverty reduction under his vision.
He also shared his personal diplomatic engagement with China, saying he had visited the country 14 times, including two visits last year, and recently toured the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Zardari unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking 75 years of Pakistan–China diplomatic relations.
The event was attended by senior leaders including Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
