Pakistan Launches Curtain Raiser for Global Development Initiative with Strong Parliamentary and Diplomatic Support

Islamabad – The Curtain Raiser Ceremony of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) was held at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s engagement with inclusive and sustainable development under China’s flagship multilateral framework. The event was hosted by Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Convener of the Pakistan–China Parliamentary Friendship Group and Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change.

The event was graced by the presence of H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Hon. Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, who served as the Chief Guest. The ceremony attracted broad participation from Members of Parliament, foreign diplomats, academics, civil society members, and youth leaders, reflecting wide institutional support for the GDI’s integration into Pakistan’s national development vision.

In her keynote remarks, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam underscored the alignment of the GDI with Pakistan’s development priorities, particularly in promoting inclusive economic growth, climate resilience, and South–South cooperation. She recalled the GDI’s initial announcement by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the United Nations General Assembly in 2021, and emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to institutionalize its principles through parliamentary legislation and people-oriented policies.

Chief Guest Hon. Junaid Anwar Chaudhry highlighted the strategic importance of the GDI in strengthening Pakistan’s maritime economy and regional connectivity, especially through its synergy with the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He noted that the maritime dimension of development—particularly port infrastructure, shipping, and trade logistics—would benefit substantially from GDI-aligned investment and cooperation.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong praised Pakistan’s proactive legislative role in advancing the GDI framework, commending its commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, mutual respect, and development-focused collaboration. He reaffirmed China’s support for deepening bilateral and multilateral ties under the GDI’s values of shared growth and collective prosperity.

Expert contributions were also made by Mr. Shakeel Ramey, Executive Director of the Pakistan Institute of Peace and Policy Research (PIPRA), and Ambassador (Rtd.) Maj. Gen. Dr. Raza Muhammad, both of whom elaborated on the global significance and transformative scope of the GDI as a platform to accelerate equitable and green development.

Among those attending were Members of the National Assembly including Ch. Mehmood Bashir Virk, Ch. Muhammad Shahbaz Babar, Pir Syed Fazal Ali Shah Jillani, Mr. Khurshed Ahmed Junejo, Ms. Aasia Ishaque Siddiqui, Ms. Sehar Kamran, Mr. Pullain Baloch, Ms. Farah Naz Akbar, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, and Ms. Saba Sadiq.

Diplomatic representatives from Rwanda, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan also attended, underscoring the GDI’s appeal beyond bilateral ties and its rising importance in global multilateral development dialogues.

The event concluded with a strong reaffirmation of Pakistan’s resolve to integrate the GDI into its national planning and legislative frameworks, prioritizing future-focused, sustainable, and inclusive growth through strengthened parliamentary engagement and international cooperation.