Islamabad, NOV 29: Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) have expressed the desire to further strengthen long-standing fraternal ties which are based on common religion, shared values and culture. This was discussed at a meeting between Chairman Senate, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani and the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, Mr Nawaf bin Saeed Ahmad Al-Malkiy, at Parliament House, today.
Talking to the envoy, the Chairman said that Pakistan accorded utmost importance to its ties with KSA which had always supported Pakistan in difficult times, adding that both countries enjoyed significant convergence on a number of regional and global issues. He urged the need to further develop a strategic and broad-based partnership with KSA in different areas for the mutual interest of the two brotherly countries.
During the meeting, It was emphasised to further enhance commercial bonds and encourage businessmen and chambers of commerce of both countries to interact regularly to further boost bilateral trade relations. Sanjrani also highlighted that over 2 million Pakistani diaspora in KSA was playing a significant role in the progress and development of both brotherly countries.
The Chairman Senate also asked the Ambassador to convey his warm regards to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness and shared that the people of Pakistan pray for his good health and long life.
ISLAMABAD/ ISTANBUL, NOV 29: Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Poverty Alleviation & Social Safety Faisal Karim Kundi has said that “the COVID-19 pandemic” has taken lives and overwhelmed health systems and economies at an unprecedented pace and scale. It has negatively impacted millions of individuals and has disproportionately affected the poor at a large scale. He said this while addressing the COMCEC 38thsession on “Pakistan’s Effective Social Assistance Provision and Socioeconomic Empowerment in the light of COVID-19 Pandemic”.
SAPM highlighted that Government of Pakistan allocated ~USD 1.23 billion to deliver one-time emergency cash to 16.9 million families, which came to over 109 million people, including minorities and transgender citizens. Through Benazir Income Support Program’s Emergency Cash disbursement, each family received USD 75, for immediate subsistence needs, he added.
Faisal Karim Kundi informed the participants that by utilizing BISP’s NSER data, a hybrid targeting approach was adopted, combining emergency assistance for the known vulnerable with demand-based support for the “new poor”. He said that The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) on poverty eradication was achieved five years ahead of schedule.
SAPM further said that Pakistan has faced death and destruction because of the recent floods, which has devastated the lives and infrastructure of around 33 million people in the country. Emergency aid of USD 312 million was distributed to 2.7 million families through a targeted mechanism under the Benazir Income Support Programme. Each family received USD 112 as part of this emergency disbursement, he added.
Faisal Kundi said that to address the challenges caused by malnutrition among vulnerable population, the existing BISP Nutrition (Nashonuma) Programme was expanded, and a Blanket Supplementary Food Programme was initiated in flood-affected regions to provide Specialized Nutritious Food (SNF) to over 12000 Pregnant and Lactating mothers and 11,200 children under the age of two. He said that it is a global responsibility to help vulnerable communities to fight the devastating impact of climate change so that they remain prepared for the future events.
KARACHI, NOV 29 (DNA) — Head of Vietnam Trade Mission, Ms. Nguyen Thi Diep Ha, while showing keen interest in promoting bilateral trade with Pakistan, and strengthen the ties between the business community of the two countries, has said that the trade mission will fully cooperate with Pakistani exporters and Trade exhibitions will also be organized for enhancing mutual trade.
The Head of Trade Mission, had held a meeting with a delegation of Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA), led by Senior Vice Chairman Sohail Nisar with a delegation comprising Saqib Naseem, Saqib Goodluck, Farhan Ashrafi, Altaf Haroon and Hasan Sohail.
She urged that business-to-business meetings should be arranged to promote bilateral trade, and also to identify items that have wide opportunities for export & import in Pakistan and Vietnam, which will significantly help in increasing bilateral trade between Pakistan and Vietnam.
In order to materialize the great potentials of yarns and fibre businesses between Pakistan and Vietnam, Head of Trade Mission said PYMA to send delegations to Vietnam and sign an MOU with Vietnam Cotton and Spinning Association (VCOSA).
“PYMA to draw the attention of Trade Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to the importance of yarns and fibre businesses in Pakistan’s economy and exports for TDAP’s supports for promotional activities in Vietnam.
PYMA to draw the attention of the Embassy of Pakistan in Hanoi to the importance of yarns and fibre businesses in Pakistan’s economy and exports for the Embassy’s supports, especially in providing market information and settling business disputes.”
“To promote Business Activities between Pakistan & Vietnam Trade Exhibitions & Business Meetings will be arranged in Near Future.” PYMA members agreed to create maximum trade facilitation to promote trade activities between Pakistan, Vietnam. The delegation also assured cooperation in bringing the business community of the two countries closer and conducting B2B meetings.
“We will play vital role in the arrival of Vietnam businessmen in Karachi and holding business meetings with counterparts, and Cooperate for exhibitions in both countries”, PYMA delegation wished. =DNA
On the eve of International Day to express solidarity with people of Palestine, the public and the government of Pakistan reiterate their continuous support and commitment for the cause of Palestinian people.
In a statement, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi, Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council, Special Aide to Prime Minister on Religious Harmony and Middle East said that Pakistan has always supported the struggle of Palestinian people and will continue to do so.
Pakistan fully endorse and supports the Palestinians’ consent for negotiations in accordance with internationally recognized terms and peace agreements.
Unending Israeli violence against Palestinians and Israel’s illegal occupation of Palestine are the undeniable facts of this conflict, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi.
Israel’s annexation and illegal occupation of the Palestinian territories is against humanitarian and international laws, said Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi.
He vowed that the Palestinians freedom struggle will continue until the right to self-determination is achieved adding that Pakistan stands united with the Palestinians and will continue to take stand for the cause of Palestinians.
Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council and the Special Representative of the Prime Minister of Pakistan for Interfaith Harmony and the Middle East, Hafiz Muhammad Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi in a statement said that for more than 75 years, Israel has been committing atrocities on Palestinians, blood of innocent Palestinians is being shed and the world is silent on it.
The position of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar and other Islamic countries is clear that the solution to the problem of Palestine is a free and independent Palestinian state, said Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi.
He reiterated that Pakistan will continue to support and endorse the oppressed Kashmiris and Palestinians adding that God willing, the days are near when two rakat Nawafil prayers will be offered in Masjid-e Al-Aqsa and Kashmir and Palestine will be blessed with independence.
MOU likely to be signed in December to start flights in February or March 2023; initially Flights will operate from Lahore and Karachi to Amaty: Ambassador Kistafin
Special Correspondent / DNA
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan Yerzhan Kistafin has said direct air links between Kazakhstan and Pakistan shall soon be resumed adding an MoU shall be signed in this regard in December and most likely the direct flights will start from February or March 2023.
The ambassador made this announcement while speaking at a ceremony at the COMSTECH titled, ‘Kazakhstan Alumni Forum. Prof Dr. M Iqbal Chaudhry Coordinator General of the COMSTECH also spoke on the occasion and welcomed the guests. Ambassador Kistafin also proposed Prof Iqbal Chaudrhy to be the first President of the Kazakhstan Alumni Forum.
The ambassador further said the direct flights are scheduled to start from Lahore and Karachi to Almaty initially while in the due course flights from Islamabad to Almaty shall also start. He hoped that there will be enough load of passengers to make these air links sustainable.
He also highlighted the importance of educational and cultural links between the two countries adding both countries need to further expand cooperation in this sphere. He said Pakistan’s most of the population consists of youth which is a great strength of this country.
The ambassador also shed light on the possible role of the Kazakhstan Alumni Forum and hoped this Forum shall play key role in strengthening cultural as well education links between the two brotherly countries.
In order to facilitate more and more people to people contacts, the ambassador assured that visa process for Pakistani brothers and sisters shall be made simpler. He thanked Prof. Dr. Iqbal Chaudhry for his outstanding efforts towards promotion of academic links between the two countries.
Bucharest, Nov 29 (AFP/APP):NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned Tuesday that Russia was using winter as a "weapon of war" against Ukraine, as Western allies meeting in Bucharest planned to help Kyiv mend its ravaged power grid.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was to announce "substantial" financial aid to help Ukraine deal with damaged infrastructure on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO's foreign ministers.
A senior US official said the assistance would "not be the end" and pointed out the Biden administration had budgeted $1.1 billion for energy spending in Ukraine and neighbouring Moldova.
A Russian campaign of missile strikes has severely damaged Ukraine's energy infrastructure and plunged millions into darkness as the country braces against the first snows and chill winds of winter.
Stoltenberg said "the message from all of us will be that we need to do more" to help Kyiv fix its gas and electricity infrastructure and provide air defence to help it protect itself better.
He said he expected Russia to carry out more attacks on Ukraine's grid as the Kremlin suffers defeats on the ground and warned Europe should "be prepared for more refugees".
"Russia is actually failing on the battlefield. In response to that they are now attacking civilian targets, cities because they're not able to win territory," Stoltenberg said at the start of the two-day meeting.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was to meet his NATO counterparts to urge them to send more weaponry for Kyiv and assistance in coping with Moscow's attacks.
ISLAMABAD, NOV 29: /DNA/ – Zubair Motiwala; Chairman PAJCCI has expressed his deep sorrow on the sad demise of S.M.Muneer; icon of Pakistan Business community.
His services will never be forgotten by the business community and nation. Motiwala expressed deep condolences to his family and friends and prayed for the departed soul.
Muneer was leading businessman, industrialist and board member of several organizations; he also managed several social welfare projects like schools & hospitals.
Late SM Muneer also served as former president of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and former Chief Executive of the Trade and Development Authority (TDAP).
London, Nov 29 (AFP/APP):Stock markets and oil prices rebounded strongly Tuesday, while the haven dollar weakened, on speculation that China would further ease strict Covid containment measures.
Sentiment was boosted also after China avoided another night of protests, following a weekend of unrest in reaction to the Covid policy that is slowing growth in the world’s second biggest economy.
Stock market gains were led by big rallies in Hong Kong and Shanghai, with property firms enjoying a much-needed surge, also on moves to ease funding restrictions on troubled developers.
But sentiment was tempered by warnings from top Federal Reserve policymakers that US interest rates would rise further and could go higher than initially thought to fight decades-high inflation.
The remarks were partly to blame for big losses of more than one percent in Wall Street’s three main indices Monday.
Europe’s main stock markets were higher in early afternoon trading.
“Risk-on sentiment has lifted European equities, boosted by a rally overnight in China,” noted Victoria Scholar, head of investment at Interactive Investor.
Oil prices rebounded from 11-month lows, “boosted by improved sentiment towards demand from China”, she added.
Qatar announced Tuesday its first major deal to send liquefied natural gas to Germany as Europe scrambles to find alternatives to Russian energy sources.
Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi said up to two million tons of gas a year would be sent for at least 15 years from 2026, and that state-run QatarEnergy was discussing other possible deals for Europe’s biggest economy.
Market focus was meanwhile turning to the United States, with a number of Fed officials due to speak, including boss Jerome Powell.
And Friday sees the release of key US jobs data, which could provide an idea about the central bank’s plans for monetary policy.
Bets on a slowdown in its pace of rate hikes have boosted markets for the past weeks, but some high-ranking members on Monday looked to play down the chances of a more dovish pivot.
– Key figures around 1200 GMT –
London – FTSE 100: UP 0.8 percent at 7,532.05 points
Frankfurt – DAX: UP 0.2 percent at 14,410.53
Paris – CAC 40: UP 0.3 percent at 6,686.05
EURO STOXX 50: UP 0.2 percent at 3,945.01
Tokyo – Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.6 percent at 28,027.84 (close)
Hong Kong – Hang Seng Index: UP 5.2 percent at 18,204.68 (close)
Shanghai – Composite: UP 2.3 percent at 3,149.75 (close)
New York – Dow: DOWN 1.5 percent at 33,849.46 (close)
Brent North Sea crude: UP 3.1 percent at $85.74 per barrel
West Texas Intermediate: UP 2.6 percent at $79.27 per barrel
The President of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Ambassador Lin Songtian recently on his first Foreign visit, which was started from Pakistan, said that promotion of people-to-people exchanges, media cooperation and youth exchange programs are on top his agenda and he would love to work with Pakistani counterparts and officials to make this plan a success being an integral part of China’s initiatives for global peace and prosperity.
Recently held successful 20th National People’s Congress (NPC) of Communist Party of China’s (CPC) indicated new goals to enable China to stay at the forefront of the world. CPAFFC President was heading 6-members high level delegation which included Mr. Ji Yongjun, Deputy Director-General Asian & African Affairs, Mr. Xu Yan Deputy Director-General Asian & African Affairs, Ms. Huang Xiaowei,Director Asian & African Affairs, Mr. Liu Chang, Deputy Director and Ms. Pei Xingchen, Section Officer.
CPAFFC President Ambassador Lin Songtian visit is very important which bring a message of encouragement for people to people interaction, strengthening sister cities relations at a high level to achieve the desired goal for peace enabling all to achieve prosperity in the world.During the visit the delegation called on Deputy Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Federal Government officials apart from very important interactions with their counterparts.
All Pakistan China Friendship Association (APCFA), Pakistan China Friendship Association (PCFA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan which was initially established in 1971 as Pak-China Student Friendship Association, Think Tanks, Art & Cultural reputed organization Hunerkada, interact with National Mass Media.
CPAFFC will going to complete its 7 decades of establishment as it was established on 3rd May 1954, by the than Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai by putting together 10 leading non organization as Chinese People’s Association for cultural relations with Foreign Countries (CPACRFC), that were Chinese People’s Committee for Protection of World Peace, China Federation of Literary & Art Circles, AllChina Federation of Trade Unions, All China Democratic Women’s Federation, All China Democratic Youth Federation, All China Student Federation, China-India Friendship Association, China-Burma Friendship Association and Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, all these Association were later on combined together with leading Chinese People’s Committee for World Peace and Chinese Committee for Afro-Asian People’s Solidarity merged in to CPAFFC. Since its first President Mr. Chu Tunan (1954-1969) who was also Vice Chairperson of 6th National People’s Congress Standing Committee headed more than a decade CPAFFC.
At present, Ambassador Lin Songtian who is China’s top diplomat for Africancountries has contributed his visionary thoughts for the improvement of social-economic developmental activities and had earn great respect for China, Chinese people and himself.
PCFA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan has the honor for having more than 3 decades friendly interaction and exchanges of delegation to further strengthening the common cause of CPAFFC & PCFA. PCFA has also having the honor to host CPAFFC President His Excellency Mr. Han Xu, H. E. Madam Li Xiaolin and now interact withH.E. Mr. Lin Songtian
The President CPAFFC while meeting with Deputy Chairman Senate of Pakistan, it was desired to have joint efforts for progress. During an hour plus cordial meeting, Ambassador Lin Songtian stated that China and Pakistan should work together to explore more opportunities in the social, cultural, and economic spheres for mutual benefit. Chinese Charge d’Affairs, Madam Pang Chunxue, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, and Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, the Secretary-General of the Pakistan China Friendship Association (PCFA), were also present during the meeting.The visiting CPAFFC President Lin Songtian praised PCFA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s efforts during the last three decades.
In this vein, he suggested to explore new possibilities and learning from one another’s experiences to advance social prosperity & economic development. He also discussed his experiences while serving as China’s Ambassador to the African continent. He said that sincere efforts combined with a clear vision can overcome the hurdles and bring positive social change.. He also expressed gratitude for China’s assistance during the floods.
Along these lines, Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi enunciated that the two partner countries ought to take advantage of historical and exemplary relationships to further solidify ties for future generations. Likewise, he mentioned that both China and Pakistan should further strengthen people-to-people as well as sister-city relationships to get benefit from each other experiences.
During two days stay of the CPAFFC delegation in Federal Capital in Islamabad, an important interaction was at China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) of ISSI where a roundtable discussion was organized with the 6-member delegation which was moderated by Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director China CPSC at ISSI while the Keynote speeches were delivered by Amb. Lin Songtian, and Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed. In his remarks Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, CPSC said that the modernization of China is being termed as ‘China’s rise’ in international politics.
In his keynote address, Mr. Lin Songtian, President CPAFFC said that despite all of the changes in global landscape, Pakistan has always stood by China and the same has been reciprocated by China as well. China has always stressed on shared prosperity and win-win cooperation and for that it encourages fast development of its neighbors particularly its iron-brother Pakistan. The purpose of this visit is to see what Pakistan has, where it stands, what it needs and how can China help and facilitate it. He stated that this visit also aims to carry forward the joint consensus of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking on the occasion, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said that despite having different cultures, systems and beliefs Pakistan-China relations are quite unique, remarkable and unprecedented in the chronicles of modern history.
No matter how things change in the region or the world, China firmly support Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and Pakistan will do the same. It would not be wrong to say that China is the ‘sheet anchor’ of Pakistan’s defense, territorial and economic interests. He noted that China today is the leader in globalization and is doing great work to make China more Green and Clean.
While interacting with Islamabad based media, President CPAFFC said “Media cooperation is helpful to promote people to people exchanges and we will invite Pakistani media to visit China and look for themselves the true story of how China defeated poverty. Capacity building is fundamental to development like human resources development. Vocational training schools are important in this regard.
He mentioned that China and Pakistan have 18 friendship cities and I would like to work to promote this bond so the two cities can work together to further develop together.. “Pakistan was among the initial group of countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and it has largely benefitted from CPEC.
In the second phase of the corridor, China is ready to support Pakistan in its journey to development and prosperity and in this regard they would extend help to Pakistan in transforming its human resource into skilled labour. We are also working in infrastructure building which is the key to regional and global connectivity,” President CPAFFC was confident.
He said that keeping in view the iron-bond of friendship between China and Pakistan, he chose Pakistan as the first country for his overseas visit. He said that the CPAFFC had collected supplies worth 126 million RMB for flood hit people of Pakistan and these supplies would soon be shipped to Pakistan. “Pakistan is my second home. We always remember that Pakistan always stood for China and also helped Chinese people in natural calamities and fighting COVID-19. I also came to help implement the consensus reached between President Xi and Premier Shehbaz Sharif on promoting people to people exchanges to shape a community with a shared future for mankind,” Amb. Lin Songtian said. He said under the CPEC, China plans to connect China’s Xinjiang with Gwadar through high speed railway as infrastructure building is key to development.
“We are moving to the second phase of the CPEC. I would urge investors from China and other countries to come and invest in Pakistan. I also plan to promote people to people exchanges.We shall contribute to foster a new type of international relations and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind by playing our part in people-to-people diplomacy. To achieve these goals regular exchange of delegations from all walks of life to further understand China and to cultivate these friendly relations for the benefits of both nation and region, we always support and appreciate CPAFFC initiatives.
(The writer is Secretary-General Pakistan China Friendship Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Pakistan email [email protected])
The President of Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Ambassador Lin Songtian recently on his first Foreign visit, which was started from Pakistan, said that promotion of people-to-people exchanges, media cooperation and youth exchange programs are on top his agenda and he would love to work with Pakistani counterparts and officials to make this plan a success being an integral part of China’s initiatives for global peace and prosperity. Recently held successful 20th National People’s Congress (NPC) of Communist Party of China’s (CPC) indicated new goals to enable China to stay at the forefront of the world. CPAFFC President was heading 6-members high level delegation which included Mr. Ji Yongjun, Deputy Director-General Asian & African Affairs, Mr. Xu Yan Deputy Director-General Asian & African Affairs, Ms. Huang Xiaowei, Director Asian & African Affairs, Mr. Liu Chang, Deputy Director and Ms. Pei Xingchen, Section Officer.
CPAFFC President Ambassador Lin Songtian visit is very important which bring a message of encouragement for people to people interaction, strengthening sister cities relations at a high level to achieve the desired goal for peace enabling all to achieve prosperity in the world. During the visit the delegation called on Deputy Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Federal Government officials apart from very important interactions with their counterparts. All Pakistan China Friendship Association (APCFA), Pakistan China Friendship Association (PCFA) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan which was initially established in 1971 as Pak-China Student Friendship Association, Think Tanks, Art & Cultural reputed organization Hunerkada, interact with National Mass Media.
CPAFFC will going to complete its 7 decades of establishment as it was established on 3rd May 1954, by the than Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai by putting together 10 leading non organization as Chinese People’s Association for cultural relations with Foreign Countries (CPACRFC), that were Chinese People’s Committee for Protection of World Peace, China Federation of Literary & Art Circles, All China Federation of Trade Unions, All China Democratic Women’s Federation, All China Democratic Youth Federation, All China Student Federation, China-India Friendship Association, China-Burma Friendship Association and Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, all these Association were later on combined together with leading Chinese People’s Committee for World Peace and Chinese Committee for Afro-Asian People’s Solidarity merged in to CPAFFC. Since its first President Mr. Chu Tunan (1954-1969) who was also Vice Chairperson of 6th National People’s Congress Standing Committee headed more than a decade CPAFFC. At present, Ambassador Lin Songtian who is China’s top diplomat for African countries has contributed his visionary thoughts for the improvement of social-economic developmental activities and had earn great respect for China, Chinese people and himself.
PCFA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan has the honor for having more than 3 decades friendly interaction and exchanges of delegation to further strengthening the common cause of CPAFFC & PCFA. PCFA has also having the honor to host CPAFFC President His Excellency Mr. Han Xu, H. E. Madam Li Xiaolin and now interact with H.E. Mr. Lin Songtian
The President CPAFFC while meeting with Deputy Chairman Senate of Pakistan, it was desired to have joint efforts for progress. During an hour plus cordial meeting, Ambassador Lin Songtian stated that China and Pakistan should work together to explore more opportunities in the social, cultural, and economic spheres for mutual benefit. Chinese Charge d’ Affairs, Madam Pang Chunxue, Syed Zafar Ali Shah, and Syed Ali Nawaz Gilani, the Secretary-General of the Pakistan China Friendship Association (PCFA), were also present during the meeting. The visiting CPAFFC President Lin Songtian praised PCFA Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s efforts during the last three decades. In this vein, he suggested to explore new possibilities and learning from one another’s experiences to advance social prosperity & economic development. He also discussed his experiences while serving as China’s Ambassador to the African continent. He said that sincere efforts combined with a clear vision can overcome the hurdles and bring positive social change.. He also expressed gratitude for China’s assistance during the floods. Along these lines, Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi enunciated that the two partner countries ought to take advantage of historical and exemplary relationships to further solidify ties for future generations. Likewise, he mentioned that both China and Pakistan should further strengthen people-to-people as well as sister-city relationships to get benefit from each other experiences.
During two days stay of the CPAFFC delegation in Federal Capital in Islamabad, an important interaction was at China Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) of ISSI where a roundtable discussion was organized with the 6-member delegation which was moderated by Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director China CPSC at ISSI while the Keynote speeches were delivered by Amb. Lin Songtian, and Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed. In his remarks Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, CPSC said that the modernization of China is being termed as ‘China’s rise’ in international politics.
In his keynote address, Mr. Lin Songtian, President CPAFFC said that despite all of the changes in global landscape, Pakistan has always stood by China and the same has been reciprocated by China as well. China has always stressed on shared prosperity and win-win cooperation and for that it encourages fast development of its neighbors particularly its iron-brother Pakistan. The purpose of this visit is to see what Pakistan has, where it stands, what it needs and how can China help and facilitate it. He stated that this visit also aims to carry forward the joint consensus of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Speaking on the occasion, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed said that despite having different cultures, systems and beliefs Pakistan-China relations are quite unique, remarkable and unprecedented in the chronicles of modern history. No matter how things change in the region or the world, China firmly support Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and Pakistan will do the same. It would not be wrong to say that China is the ‘sheet anchor’ of Pakistan’s defense, territorial and economic interests. He noted that China today is the leader in globalization and is doing great work to make China more Green and Clean.
While interacting with Islamabad based media, President CPAFFC said “Media cooperation is helpful to promote people to people exchanges and we will invite Pakistani media to visit China and look for themselves the true story of how China defeated poverty. Capacity building is fundamental to development like human resources development. Vocational training schools are important in this regard. He mentioned that China and Pakistan have 18 friendship cities and I would like to work to promote this bond so the two cities can work together to further develop together.. “Pakistan was among the initial group of countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and it has largely benefitted from CPEC. In the second phase of the corridor, China is ready to support Pakistan in its journey to development and prosperity and in this regard they would extend help to Pakistan in transforming its human resource into skilled labour. We are also working in infrastructure building which is the key to regional and global connectivity,” President CPAFFC was confident.
He said that keeping in view the iron-bond of friendship between China and Pakistan, he chose Pakistan as the first country for his overseas visit. He said that the CPAFFC had collected supplies worth 126 million RMB for flood hit people of Pakistan and these supplies would soon be shipped to Pakistan. “Pakistan is my second home. We always remember that Pakistan always stood for China and also helped Chinese people in natural calamities and fighting COVID-19. I also came to help implement the consensus reached between President Xi and Premier Shehbaz Sharif on promoting people to people exchanges to shape a community with a shared future for mankind,” Amb. Lin Songtian said. He said under the CPEC, China plans to connect China’s Xinjiang with Gwadar through high speed railway as infrastructure building is key to development. “We are moving to the second phase of the CPEC. I would urge investors from China and other countries to come and invest in Pakistan. I also plan to promote people to people exchanges. We shall contribute to foster a new type of international relations and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind by playing our part in people-to-people diplomacy. To achieve these goals regular exchange of delegations from all walks of life to further understand China and to cultivate these friendly relations for the benefits of both nation and region, we always support and appreciate CPAFFC initiatives. (The writer is Secretary-General Pakistan China Friendship Association Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province Pakistan email [email protected])
