Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently in China to attend the ongoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, has said that Pakistan’s development agenda and policies are closely aligned with the vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is anchored in progress, prosperity, and a shared future.
Addressing Pakistani students and faculty members at Tianjin University, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of equipping the young generation with modern knowledge and technology. He urged the students studying in China to dedicate themselves to learning and return home as “torchbearers of Pakistan-China friendship” and as architects of Pakistan’s future.
“We have a shared destiny with China. Our policies are fully in line with President Xi’s philosophy of progress through multilateralism, inclusivity, and long-term planning. Pakistan will continue to support this vision wholeheartedly,” the Prime Minister said in his address, which was broadcast on national television.
He expressed satisfaction that more than 200 Pakistani students were currently enrolled at Tianjin University and reminded them of their role as ambassadors of Pakistan. “Above all, you are the torchbearers of Pakistan-China friendship,” he added.
Historical Bonds and Enduring Ties
PM Shehbaz recalled the deep-rooted history of Pakistan-China relations, dating back to the Silk Road and cultural exchanges through Gandhara and Taxila. He highlighted milestones such as Pakistan being the first Muslim country to recognize the People’s Republic of China, the first direct PIA flight from Karachi to Beijing, and the construction of the Karakoram Highway – all of which, he said, symbolize the unique strength of the bilateral partnership.
The Prime Minister praised China’s transformation under President Xi’s leadership, particularly the achievement of lifting over 800 million people out of poverty, calling it “one of the greatest successes in human history.” He said Pakistan took pride in China’s rise as the world’s second-largest economy and a key global power.
Pakistan’s Agenda: Learning from China
The Prime Minister said the Government of Pakistan (GoP) was fully committed to eradicating corruption and poverty while investing in youth empowerment. He cited initiatives such as sending 1,000 agriculture graduates to China to learn modern farming techniques and the enrollment of 30,000 Pakistani students in Chinese universities.
“Vocational training and youth development are critical priorities for us. With 60 percent of Pakistan’s population being youth, we must unlock their potential in collaboration with China,” he stressed.
He also quoted Allama Iqbal, recalling the poet’s vision of China’s rise as a global power, and said that President Xi’s philosophy of shared prosperity and cooperation through multilateralism had become a guiding principle for the world.
Visit for SCO Summit
PM Shehbaz Sharif is currently in China to participate in the SCO Heads of State Summit, where leaders from across the region are discussing security, connectivity, trade, and development. His engagements, including meetings with Chinese leadership and interactions with students, highlight the government’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties with China.
The Prime Minister noted that the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China has stood the test of time, despite regional and global challenges. “Our bond is built on mutual trust and sincerity and will remain unshakable for generations to come,” he affirmed.
