A high-level strategic dialogue marking the 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations, alongside the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 77th National Day of China, was held at the Air Force Housing Scheme Club in Gulberg, Lahore. The event also featured the launch of Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan’s latest book, Pak-China Friendship: Strategic Vision, Achievements, Way Forward and China’s Economic Miracles.
H.E. Sun Yan, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lahore and Guest of Honour, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the depth and strategic importance of the China-Pakistan relationship, which he described as an “iron brother” partnership built on strong economic, political, diplomatic, social and people-to-people ties.
In his address, H.E. Sun Yan underscored the longstanding mutual support between the two countries, noting that Pakistan has consistently supported China on core issues, while China has firmly backed Pakistan in safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests. He described the relationship as a strong example of political mutual trust and mutual support between nations.
He also highlighted the strategic transformation of bilateral relations following President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan in 2015, which elevated ties to an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and gave fresh impetus to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
As the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, CPEC has brought US$30 billion in direct investment to Pakistan, added more than 8,000 megawatts of installed power capacity, built 510 kilometers of highways and 886 kilometers of power transmission lines,
and created more than 260,000 local jobs, according to the figures highlighted during the event.
H.E. Sun Yan further highlighted CPEC’s impact in Punjab, including the Lahore Orange Line Metro, which had recorded 330 million passenger trips by the end of the second quarter, as well as the contribution of the Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant and Karot Hydropower Station to energy supply and local industrial development. He noted that CPEC has now entered an upgraded second phase, with cooperation expanding beyond infrastructure into agriculture, industry, science and technology.
Addressing the CPC’s 105-year journey, H.E. Sun Yan outlined six qualities highlighted by Chinese President and CPC General Secretary Xi Jinping, including commitment to truth and progress, serving the people, strategic initiative, remaining at the forefront of development, confidence in overcoming challenges, and continuous self-strengthening. He also highlighted the significance of President Xi’s four Global Initiatives in addressing global development, security, civilization and governance challenges.
H.E. Sun Yan concluded by expressing confidence that the China-Pakistan All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership would continue to reach new heights and deliver greater benefits and prosperity to both peoples.
Dr. Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan, President of the Center for Knowledge and Public Policy and author of the newly launched book, thanked H.E. Sun Yan for his participation and highlighted the significance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 105th anniversary of the CPC. He said the book examines the evolution and future direction of bilateral cooperation across economic, political, social and diplomatic spheres, with particular focus on CPEC Phase I, Phase 2.0 and beyond.
Dr. Khan also called for a renewed strategic framework for CPEC Phase 2.0, with greater emphasis on renewable energy, emerging technologies, healthcare, industrial development, ICT, semiconductors, quantum industries and other high-growth sectors.
Prof. Dr. Mian Hanan Ahmed, Chairperson of the School of Journalism Studies at the University of Punjab, highlighted the role of China-Pakistan relations in strengthening mutual trust, economic resilience, connectivity and regional stability. Dr. Munzza Abdul Majeed of the University of Lahore similarly emphasized the strategic importance of bilateral ties and called for CPEC 2.0 to support digitalization, artificial intelligence, modernization, green and quantum technologies, hybrid agriculture and medical sciences.
The event concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields and medals, a cake-cutting ceremony marking the National Day of China, and participation from prominent scholars, researchers, corporate professionals, former senior government officials and media representatives.
