Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), calling it the “flagship project” of the enduring strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing.
During a high-level meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong in Islamabad, the prime minister emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to the swift implementation of critical CPEC infrastructure initiatives, notably the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, the expansion of the Karakoram Highway, and the continued development of Gwadar Port.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office highlighted that discussions also explored broader cooperation in agriculture, industrial development, and information technology—signaling the diversification of CPEC beyond physical infrastructure into economic and digital domains.
The meeting comes on the heels of the 6th China–South Asia Cooperation Forum held in Kunming, where both nations renewed their resolve to pursue high-quality development under the CPEC framework.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also conveyed his warm regards to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, expressing Pakistan’s strong support for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, which Islamabad plans to attend later this year.
Consultations are ongoing regarding a high-level visit by PM Shehbaz to China, tentatively scheduled for late August—a move expected to further solidify bilateral ties and push forward strategic projects.
Acknowledging China’s consistent financial and economic support, PM Shehbaz credited Beijing with helping to stabilize Pakistan’s economy during turbulent times. He noted that Chinese investments and cooperation have significantly improved the country’s macroeconomic indicators.
Regional security was also on the agenda, particularly in light of recent tensions in the Middle East. Ambassador Jiang commended Pakistan’s constructive diplomatic role at international platforms such as the United Nations Security Council and underscored China’s appreciation for Islamabad’s calls for peaceful resolution through dialogue.
Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination in the lead-up to the SCO summit and reaffirmed their joint commitment to regional peace, sustainable development, and deepened connectivity across South and Central Asia.
