Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to offer free visas to Chinese citizens starting August 14, showing Islamabad’s commitment to Beijing, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday.
The premier’s statement came during his meeting with a 12-member high-level Chinese delegation led by Minister Wang Fukang who called on him. Speaking to the delegation, the prime minister said that during his recent visit to China, he requested President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang to send experts to Pakistan.
“The goal is to model Pakistan’s economy after China’s. Today, these experts are here, and we’re confident that progress will follow soon.”
Welcoming the delegation by emphasising that China and Pakistan are eternal friends, with a friendship that know no bounds, he emphasised that industrial cooperation was crucial at this time and expressed hope that it could be shifted to Pakistan.
The premier said he believes that joint ventures and cooperation would create a win-win situation. He said the delegation’s visit was highly reassuring, and expressed hope that it would be both useful and productive for Pakistan.
Shehbaz, who has come into power for the second time, anticipated that it would enhance bilateral arrangements in areas such as industry, agriculture, economic zones, and help increase Pakistan’s capacity to produce agricultural items in high demand in China.
He added that Pakistan could meet Chinese requirements by exporting high-quality goods and exploring opportunities in mining and minerals, IT, and export zones.
“The Sino-Pak relations are higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans,” the premier said.
Pakistan regards its relationship with China as crucial for its national interests. Despite calls from certain Western countries to reconsider this alliance, Islamabad remains firmly focused on maintaining strong ties with Beijing.
China has proven to be a reliable ally for Pakistan at pivotal times. Last year, Beijing’s swift extension of loans helped Pakistan avert a potential default.
Furthermore, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has consistently supported Pakistan’s fundamental interests in international forums.
