Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, said Pakistan-China economic cooperation is entering a new phase under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) 2.0, with greater emphasis on industrial growth, agriculture, information technology, mining and human resource development.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, Dar said Pakistan’s all-weather strategic partnership with China remains a key pillar of the country’s foreign policy and development agenda.
He congratulated the Communist Party of China on the occasion and praised the country’s remarkable economic transformation. Dar said China’s success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty has contributed not only to its own development but also to global prosperity.
Highlighting the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and China, he said the relationship has grown stronger over generations through mutual trust, respect and practical cooperation.
Dar described the launch of CPEC in 2015 as a turning point in bilateral relations. He said the project helped Pakistan reduce electricity shortages, improve road infrastructure and create jobs, especially in less-developed regions.
He said CPEC 2.0 will promote high-quality development by expanding cooperation in industrialization, agriculture, mines and minerals, information technology and human resource development. According to Dar, the new phase aligns with Pakistan’s 5E Development Framework, which focuses on exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment.
The deputy prime minister also stressed the importance of exchanges between the Communist Party of China and Pakistan’s political parties. He said these interactions have strengthened mutual understanding, encouraged the sharing of governance experience and improved people-to-people ties.
Dar noted that every Pakistani government, regardless of political affiliation, has given high priority to relations with China.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and global stability, he said Islamabad and Beijing will continue working together for the benefit of both countries while supporting sustainable development and international peace.
He also highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Communist Party of China and the Pakistan Muslim League (N), saying continued party-to-party engagement has further strengthened bilateral cooperation.