Ahsan hails Xi Jinping's Global Governance Initiative as blueprint for peace and cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday described Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative as a timely and comprehensive framework for promoting global peace, stability, and sustainable development in an increasingly uncertain international environment.

Addressing a seminar titled “75 Years of Friendship: Global Governance Initiative and Construction of CPEC,” organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, he said the contemporary world required a rules-based international order rooted in cooperation, sovereign equality, and peaceful coexistence.

The event was held to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.

Ahsan Iqbal said President Xi’s initiative, based on five core principles, could help guide the world away from conflict and fragmentation toward a more stable and cooperative global system. He stressed that every country, regardless of size or power, must be treated with equal respect under the principle of sovereign equality.

He underscored the importance of adherence to international law, warning that disregard for treaties and global agreements risks increasing tensions and instability. Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, he cautioned that undermining internationally recognized arrangements could have serious implications for regional peace and security.

Highlighting the principle of multilateralism, the minister said global challenges could not be resolved by any single country and required inclusive decision-making and collective action. He emphasized that developing countries and the Global South must be given a stronger and more meaningful voice in international institutions.

On the principle of people-centered development, he said governance and development policies must prioritize the welfare and prosperity of ordinary citizens rather than narrow interests. He added that the true purpose of development was to uplift communities and create equitable opportunities.

Discussing the final principle, he stressed that global governance must be outcome-oriented, noting that international institutions must move beyond dialogue and ensure effective implementation of decisions to maintain credibility.

Referring to ongoing global crises, including the humanitarian situation in the Middle East, Ahsan Iqbal said current conflicts exposed weaknesses in the international system, adding that global governance could only remain credible if rules were applied fairly and effectively.

He said the five principles collectively offered a roadmap for a more peaceful and sustainable global order aligned with the aspirations of people worldwide.

Turning to Pakistan-China relations, the minister said the two countries were celebrating 75 years of diplomatic ties, describing the friendship as unique and time-tested. He said cooperation between Pakistan and China had continued to deepen across multiple sectors over the decades.

He highlighted that bilateral relations were entering a new phase of expansion, with Pakistan’s first astronaut expected to participate in a Chinese space mission, symbolizing growing cooperation in advanced scientific fields.

Recalling the evolution of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Ahsan Iqbal said the landmark agreement signed during the 2013 visit of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to Beijing—when he himself signed the MoU on Pakistan’s behalf—had transformed into a major regional development initiative.

He noted that CPEC, launched during President Xi’s 2015 visit to Pakistan, had brought substantial investment in infrastructure, energy, and connectivity projects, reshaping Pakistan’s development landscape.

The minister said Pakistan and China were now advancing toward CPEC Phase-II or “CPEC 2.0,” structured around five key corridors—Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Green, and Open Corridors—aimed at promoting sustainable development, technological progress, climate resilience, and regional connectivity.

He added that CPEC 2.0 was closely aligned with Pakistan’s national development vision, including “Uraan Pakistan,” ensuring that economic cooperation directly supports inclusive growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

Ahsan Iqbal expressed confidence that the next phase of CPEC would further strengthen Pakistan-China relations and contribute significantly to Pakistan’s long-term economic transformation.