Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has renewed his commitment to the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, calling it a non-negotiable priority for his government as Islamabad looks to deepen economic ties with Beijing. His remarks came Friday alongside the signing of a fresh batch of Pakistan-China pharmaceutical agreements.
Addressing the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical Business-to-Business conference in Islamabad, the prime minister welcomed nine agreements signed between private firms from both countries, together worth close to $440 million. He described the deals as a meaningful step toward strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and advancing the next stage of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, commonly known as CPEC 2.0.
Chinese Investment in Pakistan Builds on Past Trust
PM Shehbaz noted that China has stood by Pakistan through difficult periods, having already funneled more than $30 billion into the country under the first phase of CPEC. He characterized the newly inked pharmaceutical agreements as another chapter in the growing story of Chinese investment in Pakistan, one he believes will carry real economic weight going forward.
He said he anticipates the agreements evolving into concrete projects, particularly in vaccine production, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and research and development. The premier added that these efforts could help Pakistan establish itself as a regional supplier of essential and life-saving medicines.
“I think this will ultimately result in manufacturing life-saving medicines, vaccines, research and development and become a centre of excellence for exporting our wonderful products to neighbouring countries,” he said.
Government Reiterates Focus on Protecting Chinese Nationals
Central to his address was a renewed assurance regarding the security of Chinese nationals working across Pakistan, a topic that has repeatedly come up in past bilateral discussions. The prime minister emphasized that safeguarding Chinese workers and investors remains one of the government’s top obligations as economic cooperation expands.
He praised the entrepreneurs on both sides for finalizing the agreements and acknowledged the contributions of several key officials, including Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, and Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, along with various government departments and business leaders.
Diplomatic Ties Highlighted Alongside Economic Gains
The prime minister also spoke about Pakistan’s broader diplomatic role, noting that Islamabad had helped mediate during a recent regional crisis with backing from allied nations, China chief among them. He thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang for their support, and recognized the diplomatic efforts of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, along with Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.
Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz attended the formal signing ceremony for the $440 million pharmaceutical agreements, an event both governments are presenting as a step forward for future cooperation.
With growing attention on the security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan alongside expanding Pakistan-China pharmaceutical agreements, officials on both sides suggest this partnership could shape the next phase of CPEC 2.0 and reinforce long-term Chinese investment in Pakistan.