Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived in Rawalpindi on Monday for a four-day visit to Pakistan, coinciding with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Invited by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Li’s visit from October 14 to 17 will involve discussions on mutual interests between the two nations, as stated by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Upon his arrival, Premier Li expressed his appreciation for Pakistan’s warm welcome, highlighting the deep friendship shared by both countries. He conveyed greetings from the Chinese government and lauded Pakistan as a key developing nation, a major Muslim country, and China’s enduring strategic ally.
Li remarked on China’s commitment to advancing modernization and high-quality development while acknowledging Pakistan’s similar pursuit of reform and progress.
The Foreign Office also revealed that PM Li and PM Shehbaz will lead delegations to discuss bilateral relations, particularly economic and trade ties and cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The Chinese premier will meet with President Asif Ali Zardari, parliamentary leaders, and senior military officials.
Li’s visit comes as Islamabad hosts various leaders for the SCO Heads of Government meeting, the organization’s supreme decision-making body. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Iranian First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar are expected to attend the summit.
With heightened security, Islamabad will observe a three-day public holiday, while the Pakistan Army will oversee the Red Zone, which houses key meetings, parliament, and the diplomatic enclave.