Pakistan-China friendship rooted in shared values, enduring ties: Tarar

• Information Minister says Pak-China friendship has stood ‘test of time,’ recalling generations raised on stories of bilateral solidarity

• Pakistan, China launch grand celebrations for 75 years of ‘iron brotherhood’

• Cultural evening at Pak-China Friendship Centre marks milestone anniversary

• Shehbaz-led delegation set to visit China amid anniversary celebrations

• CPEC hailed as symbol of deepening strategic and economic partnership

 ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said Pakistan and China shared an “unbreakable bond” forged through history, common values and deep-rooted people-to-people ties as Islamabad formally launched celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Addressing a colourful “Pakistan-China Cultural Evening, Celebrating 75 Years of Enduring Friendship, Shared Values, and a Bright Future” at the Pak-China Friendship Centre, the minister described the relationship between Islamabad and Beijing as a timeless partnership that had remained steadfast through changing regional and global dynamics.

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting commemorated 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations at the Pakistan-China Friendship Centre, with Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal as Chief Guest. Featuring vibrant cultural performances from both nations, the landmark… pic.twitter.com/Ee5T0AOf2s

— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) May 20, 2026

Opening his address with Chinese greetings — “da jia hao” — Tarar said it was an honour to host the ceremony at the beginning of year-long celebrations commemorating the completion of 75 years of diplomatic ties between the two iron brothers.

“Pakistan-China friendship is something we hold very dear, something very close to our hearts, and something that has stood the test of time,” he remarked, adding that the relationship had been passed down from one generation of Pakistanis to another as a symbol of trust, solidarity and mutual respect.

Recalling a personal family memory to underline the emotional depth of bilateral ties, the minister shared that his mother, as a young schoolgirl in Islamabad, had joined other children in welcoming former Chinese premier Zhou Enlai during his historic visit to Pakistan, waving the flags of both countries.

He said such memories reflected how generations of Pakistanis had grown up hearing stories of friendship between the two nations and would continue narrating them to future generations.

“We share mountains, rivers and an enduring relationship that continues to grow stronger with time,” he said.

Referring to his upcoming visit to China alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Tarar said the completion of 75 years of diplomatic engagement marked a historic milestone and demonstrated the ever-expanding scope of Pakistan-China cooperation.

The minister paid glowing tribute to Pakistani and Chinese children who presented cultural performances during the evening, describing their presentations as “heart-touching” and symbolic of the strong cultural affinity between the peoples of the two countries.

He also lauded the efforts of organizers, including officials of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the External Publicity Wing and Federal Secretary Information Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil, for arranging the event at short notice.

Tarar said Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal had consistently championed Pakistan-China friendship and played a pivotal role during the launch of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s landmark visit to Islamabad alongside former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

He said Ahsan Iqbal continued to actively promote the next phase of CPEC cooperation, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif firmly believed that Pakistan-China friendship would pave the way for economic prosperity and regional stability.

Among those attending the ceremony were Chinese Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Shi Yuanqiang, Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Danyal Chaudhry, and PEMRA Chairperson Ambreen Jan, along with diplomats, artists, students and distinguished guests.

 Sino-Pak ties anchored in shared traditions, strategic partnership and deep mutual trust

Earlier, Secretary Information Ashfaq Ahmed Khalil said the Pakistan-China relationship was anchored in shared traditions, strategic partnership and deep mutual trust that continued to strengthen over time.

“Pakistan and China are allies, friends and anchors,” he remarked, adding that beyond trade and strategic cooperation, the bond between the two countries was reinforced by strong people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges.

He said culture had a unique ability to bring nations closer, noting that melodies, conversations and shared experiences often strengthened understanding more deeply than official engagements alone.

“As we commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations, this gathering reminds us that enduring friendships are built not only in conference rooms and policy corridors, but also in moments of celebration such as this,” he added.