Iron Brother
On Sunday, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar warmly congratulated China on its 74th National Day through a statement on the social media platform X.
PM Kakar extended his felicitations to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and the Chinese nation while expressing great pride in the achievements of the “Iron Brother” China. He also lauded Beijing as an anchor of peace and stability and an engine of development and progress in today’s world.
Interim Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, in a video message on the microblogging site, also conveyed felicitations to China on its National Day.
He emphasized that the people of Pakistan share the spirit of China’s National Day festivities and expressed hope for strengthening their all-weather relationship, promoting peace, and contributing to global progress.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani extended heartfelt congratulations to Foreign Minister Wang Yi and the Chinese people on their National Day via a post on X.
During an interview with The Washington Post at the 78th United Nations General Assembly session in New York, Premier Kakar had previously highlighted Pakistan’s focus on its own interests and emphasized its neutrality in the great power competition.
He described the West’s obsession with containing China and stressed Pakistan’s intent to maintain its “neutral” stance on Russia’s conflict with Ukraine while viewing China as a trusted “all-weather friend” and “strategic partner.”
Premier Kakar had further commented on the global dynamics, stating that Pakistan aimed to avoid entanglement in the rivalry between the West and Russia and China. He emphasized Pakistan’s reluctance to align with either side in the growing U.S.-China rivalry.
Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Nong Rong, during a meeting with the Balochistan Press Corps in Beijing, underscored the importance of mutually beneficial cooperation between Pakistan and China, describing them as “ironclad friends.”
Chinese Bank Extends $2.4 Billion Loan Rollover to Pakistan
In an effort to assist Islamabad in overcoming the economic crisis, the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM) extended a loan rollover of $2.4 billion to Pakistan at the end of July.
Then-finance minister Ishaq Dar announced on X that the bank had rolled over the amount for two years, with $1.2 billion due in FY24 and an equal amount in FY25.
Dar had further explained that Pakistan would only be responsible for interest payments in both years.
This loan rollover was in addition to the more than $5 billion in loans that China, Pakistan’s iron-brother, had extended in the previous few months.
China’s Unwavering Support: A Pledge to Stand Firmly with Pakistan
In his congratulatory message to the decade of CPEC celebration event held in Islamabad in July, President Xi reiterated China’s unwavering support for Pakistan, stating, “No matter how the international landscape may change, China will always stand firmly with Pakistan.”
President Xi emphasized the bilateral ties, highlighting that both countries would continue to enhance overall planning and expand and deepen cooperation.
Acknowledging CPEC as a vital pioneering project of Belt and Road cooperation, Xi stated that China would collaborate with Pakistan to further develop CPEC into an exemplary project showcasing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
He also mentioned the commitment of both nations to achieving high-standard, sustainable, and livelihood-enhancing outcomes, noting that since its launch in 2013, CPEC had made substantial progress, guided by the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits.
Premier Xi affirmed that China and Pakistan would persist in working together and advancing their ironclad friendship. They would coordinate on development and security, pursue cooperation of higher standards, broader scope, and greater depth, with the goal of elevating the China-Pakistan all-weather strategic cooperative partnership to new heights.
This, he stated, would contribute significantly to peace and prosperity in both countries and the broader region.
