China will help establish 100 hospitals in Balochistan and set up new development and economic zones that will generate local employment and improve water resource management.
This was revealed by Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, during a meeting of the Pakistan-China Friendship Group in Parliament. The forum held its first session at Parliament House under the convenership of Senator Sherry Rehman, reaffirming the “All-weather, time-tested iron-clad friendship between Pakistan and China.”
Strengthening the All-Weather Friendship
The meeting brought together senior Pakistani parliamentarians and a high-level Chinese delegation led by Ambassador Jiang Zaidong.
Opening the session, Senator Sherry Rehman welcomed the delegation, emphasizing that the Friendship Group represents “a high-level parliamentary platform dedicated to strengthening our historic and strategic ties with our most trusted friend, China.”
She praised China’s consistent and unwavering support to Pakistan in all sectors, extending gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his visionary leadership.
CPEC: The Cornerstone of Economic Transformation
Senator Rehman highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s transformation, noting that it has brought billions of dollars in infrastructure and energy investments.
She described China as Pakistan’s “largest and most vital trading partner,” urging greater people-to-people exchanges, business collaborations, and academic partnerships to enhance mutual understanding.
Agriculture and Rural Empowerment
Focusing on Pakistan’s agricultural future, Senator Rehman said that China’s agricultural support could be “revolutionary and transformative” for Pakistan’s rural economy.
She emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, and through collaboration with China, Pakistan can “move from subsistence to sustainability, and from vulnerability to vitality.”
She envisioned cooperation in agro-innovation, seed technology, water-efficient farming, and farmer training programs, calling it “a new frontier of Pakistan-China cooperation that can redefine food security and rural progress in South Asia.”
Ambassador Jiang’s Remarks
In his remarks, Ambassador Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed that strategic leadership and partnership between China and Pakistan will continue to grow stronger.
He praised the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, saying both nations remain united in safeguarding sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Highlighting the 15th Five-Year Plan of the CPC Central Committee, Ambassador Jiang noted that it lays the foundation for joint progress in climate change mitigation and economic transformation.
He said, “China and Pakistan share the same development philosophy — prioritizing people, stability, and innovation to face an evolving global landscape.”
