ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani attended a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, extending warm felicitations to the Chinese leadership and people on behalf of the Parliament and nation of Pakistan.
Chinese Ambassador Mr Jiang Zaidong, Charge d’Affaires Mr Shi Yuanqiang, Ministrer-Counsellor Mr. XU Hangtian, serving and former envoys, politicians, officials and journalists also attended the reception.
In his address, Gillani praised China’s remarkable progress since 1949, describing its achievements in poverty alleviation, technological innovation, and global leadership as “a true miracle.” He credited the Communist Party of China (CPC) for steering the country’s transformation through reforms, innovation, and visionary governance under Chairman Mao Zedong, successive leaders, and President Xi Jinping.
Highlighting the recent visit of President Asif Ali Zardari to China, he welcomed new agreements in sectors such as textiles, livestock, and emergency relief equipment, stressing their potential to boost Pakistan’s economic growth. He also endorsed President Xi’s vision of building “a community with a shared future,” calling it closely aligned with Pakistan’s focus on regional cooperation and geo-economic progress.
Gillani underscored the enduring nature of the Pak-China partnership, describing it as an “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and iron brotherhood,” rooted not only in diplomacy but also in trust, shared values, and deep people-to-people ties. He expressed gratitude for China’s consistent support to Pakistan during times of crisis, including natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.
On defence cooperation, he highlighted joint ventures such as the JF-17 Thunder program and induction of J-10C fighter jets as symbols of stability in the region. On the economic front, he hailed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Gwadar Port as gateways to shared prosperity, emphasizing that CPEC represents more than infrastructure—it embodies common dreams for the future.
Gillani also noted the importance of cultural and educational linkages through Confucius Institutes, scholarships, and exchanges, describing them as vital bridges between the two nations. Paying tribute to the founding leaders of Pak-China ties, including Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Chairman Mao Zedong, and Premier Zhou Enlai, he quoted Bhutto’s words: “The relations between our two countries have withstood the rigours of the political weather because these are rooted in principles, geography, and permanent human values.”
Reflecting on his own longstanding ties with Chinese leadership during his tenure as Speaker and Prime Minister, Gillani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to walking alongside China “through history.” He stressed that the friendship remains a positive force for regional stability, economic integration, and joint responses to global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and economic uncertainty.
Thanking Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and the Chinese Embassy for hosting the event, the Senate Chairman reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further deepen its all-weather strategic partnership with China.
Chinese Ambassador Mr Jiang Zaidong, in his speech, gave an overview of the upward trajectory of China, Pakistan cooperation and said that the back-to-back visits of Pakistani leadership of China refcelted the firmness of the bond and that the future generations would take this bond to new highs.
