Peshawar: Adviser to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Finance Muzammil Aslam on Saturday said that the friendship between Pakistan and China remains one of the rare examples in the world that has grown stronger with time, changing circumstances and global transformations.

Addressing a ceremony organised by China Window to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–China friendship and the Spring Festival, Aslam said the bilateral relationship is based on trust, mutual respect and long-standing cooperation rather than temporary diplomatic or economic interests.

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He said Pakistan’s decision to recognise the People’s Republic of China in 1951 reflected foresight and principled policy, the impact of which is evident today in the form of a strong and sustainable partnership. He added that the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has emerged as the flagship project of this friendship, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s economic development.

According to Aslam, energy projects under CPEC have helped ease the country’s electricity shortage, while the development of motorways and highways has improved national connectivity. He said Gwadar Port has enhanced Pakistan’s importance on the regional and global trade map, and Special Economic Zones are creating opportunities for investment, industrial growth and employment.

He also noted that China has consistently treated Pakistan as an equal partner, which, he said, has contributed to the strong goodwill China enjoys among the Pakistani public.

Former governor Haji Ghulam Ali said Pakistan’s early recognition of China laid the foundation for a relationship that has withstood regional and global challenges. He said China has supported Pakistan during difficult times, including wars, natural disasters and periods of international pressure.

Former governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra said the strength of Pakistan–China relations lies in mutual trust rather than transactional interests. He described CPEC as a key driver of development in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure and industrial sectors, with benefits extending beyond the country to the wider region.

Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Dawood Khan stressed the importance of passing Pakistan–China friendship on to future generations through education, culture and media engagement, and praised China Window for promoting people-to-people ties at the grassroots level.

The event was attended by academics, religious leaders, members of the business community, journalists, students and civil society representatives. A cake-cutting ceremony was also held to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistan–China friendship, and shields were distributed among participants. Earlier, China Window Administrator Amjad Aziz Malik welcomed the guests and said the event aimed to convey a message of peace and goodwill from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the people of China.