ISLAMABAD: On Friday, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar emphasized that it is the opportune moment to enhance the friendship between Pakistan and China.
“In Pakistan, we consider a good neighbor to be a valuable asset. In this context, we are fortunate to have China as a strong brother, neighbor, partner, and friend. The time has come to further enhance this friendship. Let’s work together to chart a new path towards peace, prosperity, and mutually beneficial development,” Kakar stated during his address to students and faculty at Xinjiang University in China’s Urumqi.
A day prior, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to solidify their partnership, with Kakar asserting that Islamabad would not allow anything to undermine the strategic alliance with Beijing. This pledge was renewed during a delegation-level meeting between the caretaker prime minister and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People during the 3rd Belt and Road Forum.
“We have a unanimous consensus in Pakistan, spanning the political spectrum, regarding the significance of the Pak-China friendship for our countries’ progress, regional peace, and development. We view our relationship with China from a long-term strategic perspective, and amidst the ever-evolving global landscape, the China-Pakistan friendship remains steadfast and unwavering,” he stated.
“Building on the success of our political ties, both countries have placed a special focus on our economic partnership, as demonstrated by the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” he added.
Kakar emphasized that CPEC is a true exemplar of the Belt and Road Initiative’s (BRI) stated goals. He noted that it had contributed to upgrading Pakistan’s transport and communication infrastructure, addressing energy shortages, and developing the Gwadar port in the province of Balochistan. He also highlighted that CPEC projects had not only stimulated economic growth but had also improved the lives of Pakistani citizens and enhanced regional connectivity.
Referring to a speech made by Xi last year regarding making Xinjiang the frontier of Belt and Road connectivity, Kakar noted that this announcement recognized Xinjiang’s historical role as a hub of connectivity in the ancient Silk Road.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Xinjiang for the BRI’s tenth anniversary marked a significant milestone in Pakistan-China friendship. Kakar emphasized the commitment to enhance both infrastructure and human connectivity. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for China, particularly in Xinjiang-related matters.
Kakar outlined Pakistan’s vision for cooperation with Xinjiang, focusing on its role in CPEC and proposing the conversion of the Khunjerab land border into an all-weather one. He also suggested upgrading customs and logistics services for smoother trade and movement.
Gwadar’s importance in the CPEC partnership was underscored, and Kakar proposed deepening economic cooperation through sister-city relationships between Karamay and Gwadar, as well as Kashgar and Gwadar.
Kakar expressed Pakistan’s desire to learn from Xinjiang’s agricultural modernization success and establish a joint agricultural demonstration zone in Pakistan for modern farming techniques. He emphasized building connections between Xinjiang and Pakistan’s industries, especially in the GB region.
Additionally, Kakar highlighted the potential for collaboration in solar energy and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing cultural ties and welcoming tourists from Xinjiang and other parts of China to visit Pakistan.
