Pakistan-China friendship is time-tested and unbreakable: PM Shehbaz

-- PM says China has always stood by Pakistan 'like a solid rock' during every challenge and crisis

-- Shehbaz praises President Xi Jinping's leadership for lifting 800 million people out of poverty

-- President Zardari terms CPEC a transformative project driving Pakistan’s socio-economic progress

-- Pakistan and China celebrate 75 years of diplomatic ties with renewed pledges for strategic cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday described Pakistan-China ties as "time-tested and unbreakable," saying the relationship between the two countries had evolved into a unique strategic partnership built on trust, sincerity and unwavering mutual support over the past 75 years.

Addressing a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, the prime minister said Pakistan was proud to be the first Muslim country to recognise the People’s Republic of China and among the earliest nations to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1951.

“Through mutual efforts, sincerity of purpose and shared commitment, we have built a relationship which is second to none and truly unique in the world,” Shehbaz Sharif said.

The premier praised China for standing by Pakistan during every difficult moment, including natural disasters, economic challenges and regional crises, describing Beijing as Islamabad’s “most steadfast and trusted friend”.

“China has always stood by Pakistan like a solid rock,” he said, adding that the relationship was free from political conditions or hidden agendas and was rooted in genuine friendship and shared interests.

From “the depths of the seas to the heights of the Himalayas,” the prime minister said, Pakistan-China cooperation had transformed Pakistan through major infrastructure projects, energy plants and strategic support during difficult times.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to strengthen through “joint ownership, joint efforts and joint sincerity of purpose”.

The prime minister also praised the leadership of Xi Jinping, saying China’s extraordinary economic transformation and poverty alleviation achievements reflected Xi’s long-term vision and strategic leadership.

“Under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, China has lifted around 800 million people out of poverty,” he said, adding that China had emerged as a global economic and military power whose role was indispensable for the future of the world.

“The world without China cannot move forward,” Shehbaz remarked.

Highlighting bilateral cooperation in agriculture and education, the premier recalled his initiative to send 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates to China for advanced training.

He thanked Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and the Chinese leadership for supporting the programme, saying the graduates had returned to Pakistan equipped with modern expertise to strengthen agricultural research and development.

Meanwhile, Asif Ali Zardari said Pakistan-China relations were founded on “mutual trust, unwavering support and shared development goals”.

The president said bilateral cooperation had expanded into trade, infrastructure, technology, defence and people-to-people exchanges, while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the One China policy and appreciating Beijing’s consistent support on the Jammu and Kashmir issue.

Zardari described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as a historic project playing a transformative role in Pakistan’s socio-economic progress, particularly through strategic initiatives such as Gwadar Port.

He also praised President Xi’s leadership for delivering unprecedented economic growth and poverty reduction in China.

Sharing personal reflections, Zardari said he had visited China 14 times and recently travelled to the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong during his latest visit.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Chinese Vice Chairman Cai Dafeng, diplomats, parliamentarians and senior officials.

The event featured commemorative activities, including a photo exhibition and the unveiling of special anniversary stamps and coins celebrating 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.