02 June 2025 (MLN): The urgency of launching the Karakoram Highway (KKH) phase II upgrade and the main line-1 (ML-1) Railway Project-through the strategic arteries of the economic future of Pakistan-der emphasized by the Federal Minister of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives.
This was discussed during a lunch organized in the home of the minister in honor of the Chinese ambassador in Pakistan, he Jiang Zaidong.
Ambassador Jiang appreciated the recent return of peace and stability in the region and the responsible behavior of Pakistan during the conflict and hoped that Peace will bring dividends for Pakistan.
Minister Iqbal expanded the ambassador and the Chinese government to extend the non -repellent support of Pakistan during the crisis, according to the issued press release.
“On every critical June in our history, China Pakistan stood as a rock-solving partner. Our friendship is not a seasonal-it is a bond that is forged in trust, mutual respect and shared dreams for the future,” said Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
The meeting underlined the shared determination to accelerate continuous and future initiatives under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Minister Iqbal informed the ambassador that the port of Gwadar is now fully connected to the National Power Grid, with tangible progress in the direction of full operationalization.
“Connecting Gwadar with the National Raster marks a turning point to make it a real gateway to prosperity, not only for Pakistan, but also for the entire region.
CPEC is the engine that will feed the economic transformation of Pakistan and the regional integration, “said Minister Iqbal.
Ambassador Jiang repeated Sentiment and stated that the strategic relevance of Gwadar receives global recognition and re -confirmed the steadfast dedication of China to support its development.
He also praised the long -term leadership and dedication of Minister Iqbal to make CPEC a flagship of regional cooperation.
Discussions were also aimed at preparations for the 14th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) meeting, planned for July 2025.
Minister Iqbal has pronounced the determination of Pakistan to guarantee a productive and result -oriented meeting.
“The upcoming JCC is an opportunity to increase our collaboration to a higher level. We strive to proceed from planning to performance – so that each project has the impact on the ground for our people,” he emphasized.
Ambassador Jiang repeated China’s full support for the development of Pakistan under the vision “Uraan Pakistan”.
Minister Iqbal emphasized the potential of connecting Gwadar with Central Asia and Afghanistan, making regional access to global markets possible via Pakistan.
On agricultural cooperation, Minister Iqbal shared that the first cohort of Chinese sponsored agricultural graduates is currently undergoing specialized training in Pakistan.
“These young spirits, selected by a competitive process, will become catalysts when modernizing the Agri-economy of Pakistan. With Chinese support we sow the seeds of a food protection and prosperous Pakistan,” he said.
Minister Iqbal also informed the ambassador about the rapid and effective distribution of agricultural machinery donated by Chinese in the provinces.
“This equipment will improve the capacity of our research institutions and benefits farmers directly, play a crucial role in food security and inclusive growth,” he added.
He also proposed academic ties, which suggests partnerships between top Chinese universities and Daanish University of Pakistan, as well as between Chinese medical institutions and the Jinnah Medical Complex & Research Center.
Minister Iqbal also proposed the reactivation of cooperation for setting up a Naptha Cracker complex in Pakistan – a strategic industrial initiative. Ambassador Jiang welcomed the idea and was committed to facilitating discussions with relevant Chinese counterparts.
In addition, ambassador Jiang expressed the willingness of China to support small vapor projects in Balochistan under the living component of CPEC. Minister Iqbal appreciated the proposal and insured full facilitation.
“CPEC is not only a bilateral initiative; it is a symbol of shared destination. With Chinese cooperation we build infrastructure, empowerment of communities and fighting the path to a brighter, more connected future,” concluded Minister Iqbal.
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Posted on: 2025-06-02T17: 32: 50+05: 00
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