Pakistan’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution on Wednesday reaffirming the close “brotherly” relationship with China, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Senior officials emphasized the growing collaboration in political, economic, and strategic domains.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, serving as Leader of the House, presented the resolution titled “Re-affirming China-Pakistan Friendship and Brotherhood” to the upper house, which was approved without opposition. A Chinese delegation attended the session from the visitors’ gallery and received a formal welcome from legislators to mark the milestone.
Addressing the Senate, Dar highlighted the shared “converging vision” of Pakistan and China on regional and global matters. He noted the countries’ commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter amid a challenging international environment. He further emphasized the crucial role of their cooperation at the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), and other multilateral forums in defending developing countries’ interests and promoting global peace.
Dar announced he would accompany Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on a state visit to China from May 23 to 26. During this visit, both leaders are scheduled to participate in events celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Meetings are planned with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, alongside business-to-business engagements and institutional dialogues.
Discussions will also include sessions under the Pakistan-China Political Forum and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Joint Consultative Mechanism, with a multi-party parliamentary delegation joining the talks. Dar underscored the importance of regional diplomacy, pointing out joint initiatives by Pakistan and China to foster peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf region, reflecting their shared responsibility for global stability.
Recalling his recent visit to China in March, Dar mentioned a five-point peace proposal on regional conflicts put forward by both countries, which has gained endorsement from multiple nations. He also noted maintaining communication with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and other regional counterparts amid recent tensions in the Middle East following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The deputy prime minister described the Pakistan-China relationship as having evolved over 75 years into a strong economic and strategic partnership. He cited landmark projects such as the Karakoram Highway and Gwadar Port as enduring symbols of bilateral cooperation. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor remains a flagship initiative under China’s Belt and Road Initiative, with its next phase, CPEC 2.0, focusing on industrialization, agriculture, information technology, and socio-economic development.
Dar expressed expectations that this partnership will bring broader economic benefits to Pakistan’s population and recalled China’s support in addressing the country’s power shortages in previous years.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar also spoke to the Senate, emphasizing that the Pakistan-China relationship has been “tested by time and circumstances” yet remained stable. He highlighted that the partnership is grounded in mutual trust, respect for sovereignty, and alignment on core interests.
A delegation led by Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, arrived in Islamabad earlier on Wednesday to participate in the commemorative events. The delegation is scheduled to stay in Pakistan from May 20 to 21.
