The China Pakistan Study Centre at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad convened an international seminar to mark 75 years of bilateral ties and to map future cooperation in diplomacy, security, and development. Speakers highlighted how the Pakistan China Partnership has stayed resilient and is now pivoting toward technology, industrialisation and green growth under an expanded CPEC agenda.
Mr. Murtaza Solangi, Spokesperson to the President of Pakistan, traced the civilisational roots of bilateral ties to the Silk Road and praised China’s longstanding policy of non-interference and respect for sovereignty as a foundation of the all-weather relationship. He noted growing collaboration across defence, infrastructure, energy, aviation and emerging technologies, and described CPEC as transformative from Gilgit to Gwadar with new emphasis on AI, digital technologies, space cooperation, climate resilience and green development. He expressed confidence that CPEC Phase II will deepen connectivity and shared prosperity.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors at ISSI, underlined mutual trust, sovereign equality and consistent support for core interests as pillars of the strategic cooperative partnership. He observed that Phase I of CPEC strengthened Pakistan’s energy and infrastructure base while Phase II shifts toward industrial cooperation, agriculture, special economic zones and socio-economic uplift with Gwadar positioned as a major economic hub.
Deputy Head of Mission Shi Yuanqiang emphasised sustained high-level exchanges and growing strategic trust, calling CPEC the central pillar of Belt and Road cooperation. He reviewed achievements in energy, infrastructure, investment and employment and outlined a CPEC 2.0 agenda focused on industry, agriculture, mining, innovation and green development, alongside closer coordination on regional and global issues and engagement with the Global South.
Ambassador Masood Khalid reflected on the historical depth of relations, from early diplomatic recognition to projects such as the Karakoram Highway, and reiterated that mutual respect, trust and non-interference remain core to the partnership. He highlighted CPEC’s role in energy, infrastructure and job creation and its ongoing expansion into agriculture, IT, minerals and industrial development.
Dr. Fazal ur Rehman recalled the Bandung-era foundations and stressed that long-term friendship requires active nurturing. He urged acceleration of SEZs, reforms to improve the investment climate and enhanced vocational and educational cooperation to benefit from China’s development experience.
Dr. Hassan Daud Butt outlined a future-oriented partnership prioritising technology, innovation, space, agriculture and connectivity. He described CPEC as the backbone of cooperation and called for industrialisation, strengthened security for projects, optimal utilisation of Gwadar and data-driven policy making that engages youth and raises productivity.
Professor Yunsong Huang characterised the relationship as an ironclad brotherhood and a stabilising force amid global shifts. He pointed to Phase II priorities including industrial upgrading, SEZ expansion, railway modernisation, Gwadar development, green initiatives, space technology cooperation and human capital development.
Dr. Ma Zheng emphasised the importance of defence, security and counterterrorism cooperation and close coordination on regional stability, including Afghanistan. He called for stronger strategic communication, accelerated CPEC development and expanded people-to-people exchanges to consolidate ties.
Dr. Gulshan Rafiq highlighted the human dimension of bilateral relations, arguing that educational, cultural and academic links along with student mobility are essential for long-term sustainability and mutual understanding.
Director CPSC Dr. Talat Shabbir opened the programme by reaffirming the enduring and trusted nature of Pakistan China Partnership since 1951, noting that CPEC is the flagship Belt and Road Initiative project that promotes regional connectivity, stability and shared development. The seminar gathered diplomats, scholars and practitioners from both countries to reflect on seven decades of cooperation and to explore practical pathways for Phase II, focusing on industry, technology transfer, SEZs, agriculture and green growth that can drive jobs and inclusive economic development in Pakistan.
