PESHAWAR: The Leader of the Opposition in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, Dr. Ibadullah Khan, described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China as a turning point for Pakistan’s economic revival and for strengthening ties with Beijing.
During a visit to the Chinese cultural centre, China Window, in Peshawar, Dr. Ibadullah toured various galleries and signed the Friendship Wall dedicated to Pakistan-China relations.
Speaking to reporters, Dr. Ibadullah, a former member of the Parliamentary Committee for CPEC, said the multi-billion-dollar project’s second phase would be launched successfully, creating jobs for millions and driving industrial growth.
He added that the joint visit to Beijing by Prime Minister Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had reassured Chinese leaders of Pakistan’s commitment to peace and security, which he called prerequisites for investment and development.
Dr. Ibadullah praised the Chinese leadership for what he described as their unwavering support to Pakistan, calling bilateral ties an exemplary friendship globally. Referring to China Window as a “Mini China,” he said the centre was playing a key role in promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
Analysts say the renewed diplomatic focus on Beijing, with consecutive visits by Prime Minister Sharif, Army Chief Munir and now President Asif Ali Zardar, reflects Islamabad’s strategic priority of placing China at the core of its foreign and economic policy as Pakistan seeks stability and growth through CPEC’s next phase.
On the other hand, President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday arrived in Chengdu at the start of his official visit to China.
On arrival at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, the President was warmly received by Vice Foreign Minister, Sun Weidong, and Vice Governor of Sichuan Province, Huang Ruixue.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, as well as the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, were also present to welcome the president, a Presidency’s news release said.
During the visit, the President will hold meetings with the Chinese leadership and senior officials to further strengthen Pakistan-China relations, enhance cooperation in diverse fields, and advance shared objectives under the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership. –Agencies
