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ISLAMABAD: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi awarded Pakistan&#39;s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, the &quot;Outstanding Diplomat Medal&quot; on Monday, making Hashmi the first serving ambassador in Beijing and the first Pakistani ambassador to receive the honor. According to the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, it was also the first time China&#39;s foreign ministry has introduced a formal awards program for foreign envoys. The ceremony was held at China&#39;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Chinese capital, according to a press release from the Pakistan embassy. Seven other current and former ambassadors received the medal at the same ceremony. Former diplomats from Russia, Cambodia, Chad, and Uruguay, along with sitting ambassadors from Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Colombia, were among the recipients. Wang Yi presented the award in recognition of Hashmi&#39;s diplomatic record and his role in advancing Pakistan-China ties. In his remarks, the Pakistani ambassador dedicated the award to his diplomatic team, his family, and diplomats from both countries who have shaped bilateral relations across generations. He credited Wang Yi directly for his guidance in deepening Pakistan&#39;s ties with China. He also acknowledged the cooperation of the Chinese Foreign Ministry&#39;s Asian Affairs Department. Hashmi pointed to several decades of joint crisis response between the two countries as a measure of the relationship&#39;s depth. This includes the 2005 Kashmir earthquake, the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, and shared responses to global public health emergencies. He described the Pakistan-China friendship as &quot;higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel.&quot;

Foreign Affairs

Pakistan’s Ambassador Khalil Hashmi receives China’s first-ever Outstanding Diplomat Medal, recognizing his work strengthening Pakistan-China relations and advancing cooperation between the two countries.

China presents historic diplomatic award to Pakistan’s ambassador in Beijing

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Ministry on Thursday disputed media reports that portrayed a recent call between the two countries&#39; foreign ministers as Beijing pressuring Islamabad to do more on Iran-US mediation, saying the coverage misrepresented the exchange &quot;both in letter and spirit.&quot; In a weekly press briefing, Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed appreciation for Pakistan&#39;s diplomatic role and offered full support, a characterization at odds with reports from several local and international outlets. Iran-US diplomatic engagement The spokesperson said that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has been in sustained contact with regional and international counterparts over the Iran-US ceasefire efforts. According to the ministry spokesperson, Dar held separate calls with Singapore&#39;s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Iran&#39;s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi on May 8. The call with the Iranian FM primarily focused on the welfare and repatriation of Pakistani and Iranian seafarers aboard a vessel seized by US authorities near Singaporean waters. In a call on May 11, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud backed Islamabad&#39;s efforts and agreed on the importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. On May 12, Austrian Foreign Minister Beat Meiniere Zenger expressed support for Pakistan&#39;s role in facilitating dialogue between Tehran and Washington. Iranian aircraft at Pakistani airbase The ministry categorically rejected a CBS News report alleging the presence of Iranian military aircraft at Nur Khan Air Base. Andrabi called the report &quot;misleading, speculative, and disconnected from factual context.&quot; According to the spokesperson, the aircraft arrived during a ceasefire period to support diplomatic engagement linked to the Islamabad talks. It carried diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff. The ministry spokesperson said the aircraft had no connection to any military contingency. Bannu terror attack Pakistan summoned Afghanistan&#39;s charg&eacute; d&#39;affaires in Islamabad following a terrorist attack on the Fateh Khel police post in Bannu on May 9. Over 15 officers were martyred, and several others were wounded. According to the spokesperson, a preliminary investigation backed by technical intelligence traced the attack to a group operating from Afghan soil. &ldquo;In the formal d&eacute;marche, Pakistan demanded immediate, concrete, and verifiable action against perpetrators, including those affiliated with Fitna al-Hind, [Fitna-al] Khawarij&rdquo; and &ldquo;ISKP,&rdquo; Andrabi said. PM calls on Qatar, Azerbaijan The spokesperson said that Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held calls with the leaders of Qatar and Azerbaijan. The talks covered regional developments and Pakistan&#39;s ongoing peace efforts.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Tahir Andrabi speaks during a weekly press briefing in Islamabad, May 14, 2026. (MOFA/X)

Spokesperson rejects media reports claiming Beijing pressured Islamabad on Iran-US mediation, saying Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi instead praised Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts and expressed full support during the recent call.

Media misrepresented China-Pakistan call on Iran mediation: Foreign Office

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday assured full government support to Chinese investors and highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s growing potential in export-oriented manufacturing and industrial development. The minister held a meeting in Islamabad with a Chinese business delegation led by Huwang, Chairman of Challenges Fashion, and Karen Chen, Chief Executive Officer of Challenge Apparel. During the meeting, both sides discussed investment opportunities in textiles, apparel and other industrial sectors, along with broader Pakistan-China economic cooperation. The Chinese delegation briefed the minister on progress regarding their ongoing industrial project in Pakistan and shared plans for major expansion in manufacturing capacity, employment generation, and exports. Huwang informed the meeting that the company is establishing a large manufacturing facility in Pakistan under international production standards, with the first phase expected to be completed later this year. According to the delegation, the long-term expansion plan could create up to 20,000 jobs and generate annual exports worth 400 to 500 million dollars. The Chinese investors highlighted Pakistan&rsquo;s strategic geographic location, competitive workforce and regional connectivity, expressing confidence in the country&rsquo;s industrial and export potential. Khan welcomed the growing interest of Chinese companies in Pakistan and said the government is taking steps to improve the investment climate and simplify regulatory procedures. He said investor facilitation remains a key priority of the government in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif&rsquo;s vision of promoting export-led economic growth. The minister noted that changing global supply chains and evolving economic dynamics are creating new opportunities for countries like Pakistan. He said Pakistan&rsquo;s strategic location and industrial capabilities make it an attractive destination for export-oriented investment and regional trade integration. The meeting also discussed regional connectivity, logistics, energy access and the importance of diversified trade corridors. Chinese representatives shared positive experiences regarding their operations in Pakistan but pointed out that international perceptions sometimes affect business decisions abroad. Khan acknowledged the issue and said Pakistan has made significant progress in improving the business environment and strengthening investor protection. The delegation also raised concerns regarding specialized industrial construction materials and inputs not currently manufactured locally. The minister assured the investors that the government would facilitate industrial requirements and informed them about ongoing tariff rationalization measures aimed at improving competitiveness and reducing manufacturing costs. He invited the delegation to formally submit details of products requiring tariff review within the government&rsquo;s ongoing reform framework. The meeting also reviewed progress on land approvals, infrastructure, utility facilitation and reforms in Special Economic Zone frameworks aimed at improving ease of doing business in Pakistan.

Economy

Minister assures Chinese investors of government support, as discussions focused on export-oriented manufacturing, industrial expansion, employment generation and strengthening Pakistan-China economic cooperation.

Pakistan minister assures full support to Chinese investors

During President Zardari’s five-day visit to China, Pakistan Navy commissioned its first Hangor-class submarine, marking a major milestone in maritime modernization and strengthening Pakistan’s regional deterrence and sea security capabilities.

Pakistan president wraps China visit, advances CPEC, defense cooperation ties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s mission in Beijing and the China International Cultural Communication Center jointly hosted a cultural gala in the Chinese capital to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. According to a statement from the Pakistan embassy, the event drew diplomats, media representatives, business figures and members of creative fields to recognize decades of bilateral engagement. Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, said successive generations of leadership on both sides had shaped a relationship built on trust, respect and support. He said people-to-people contact remained central, with cultural exchange helping sustain ties over time. Long Yuxiang, Executive Chairman of the China International Cultural Communication Center, said cultural exchange has played a key role in deepening understanding and communication between societies. Zhai Meiqing, President of Xiangjiang Group, said cultural and creative industries contribute to stronger links between communities and closer people-to-people engagement. The program included stage performances featuring artistic collaboration. A joint performance in Urdu and Chinese by Pakistani artist Natasha Baig was among the highlights. The gala was part of a wider series of events marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

The Embassy of Pakistan and the China International Cultural Communication Center (CICCC) co-hosted a Star Gala in Beijing to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. (Pakistan Embassy China/Facebook)

Officials, diplomats and cultural representatives gather in Beijing for a gala featuring performances and remarks on bilateral ties and cultural exchange marking 75 years of relations between the countries.

Pakistan, China mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in Beijing Gala

ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong commended Islamabad&#39;s role in facilitating&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/islamabad-talks-process-continues-heres-how" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">direct talks</a>&nbsp;between the United States and Iran, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported Monday. According to an official statement on X (Twitter) by the Foreign Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met with the Chinese ambassador. <div class="fr-embed"><div><div> </div><div style="margin-top: 12px; padding: 12px; background-color: light-dark(rgb(248, 248, 248), rgb(42, 42, 46)); border-radius: 4px; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.5; color: light-dark(rgb(43, 42, 51), rgb(251, 251, 254)); font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, sans-serif;"><div style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: 600; color: light-dark(rgb(91, 91, 102), rgb(191, 191, 201)); margin-bottom: 8px;">Content from blocked embed:</div><div>Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar <a href="https://twitter.com/MIshaqDar50?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: light-dark(rgb(0, 97, 224), rgb(0, 221, 255)); text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">@MIshaqDar50</a> received today Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong. Discussions centered on recent developments following the Islamabad talks. DPM/FM reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s continued resolve to support&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/5JFeuHnmF2" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: light-dark(rgb(0, 97, 224), rgb(0, 221, 255)); text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">pic.twitter.com/5JFeuHnmF2</a>&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/2043651117960306924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: light-dark(rgb(0, 97, 224), rgb(0, 221, 255)); text-decoration: underline; cursor: pointer;">April 13, 2026</a></div></div></div></div> Discussions centered on recent developments in the aftermath of the Islamabad Talks. The deputy prime minister said Pakistan remains committed to supporting dialogue and diplomacy to resolve international conflicts. Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador praised Pakistan&#39;s important contribution to bringing Washington and Tehran to the table for direct engagement. Both sides also talked about the importance of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-minister-reaffirms-commitment-to-making-gwadar-global-trade-hub" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistan-China</a>&nbsp;strategic partnership in maintaining regional stability. Pakistan, China advance Five-Point Peace Plan&nbsp; Meanwhile,&nbsp;Pakistan and China also&nbsp;discussed the Pakistan&ndash;China Five-Point Peace Initiative aimed at restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region. According to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two leaders exchanged views on the recently concluded Islamabad Talks. The Five-Point Peace Initiative, agreed in Beijing on March 31 between Pakistan and China, calls for stopping the fighting right away and starting peace talks soon. It supports respect for countries&rsquo; borders and security, protection of civilians, and avoiding attacks on infrastructure and nuclear facilities.&nbsp; It also calls for safe sea routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and safe movement of ships. It urges following the United Nations Charter and working toward peace through international cooperation and law. The Chinese FM praised Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He said China supports Pakistan&rsquo;s diplomatic role in bring the US and Iran to the negotiating table.&nbsp; Meanwhile, Dar said Pakistan remains committed to dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred means to restore peace. Both sides agreed to remain in close contact.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar received Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong on Monday, April 13, 2026. (MOFA/X)

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar met with China’s ambassador to discuss recent diplomatic developments, including Pakistan’s role in brokering direct US-Iran talks and the continued strength of Pakistan-China relations.


China commends Pakistan’s role in facilitating direct talks between US, Iran

Pakistan TV Satellite

ISLAMABAD: Political analyst Zoon Ahmed Khan has highlighted Pakistan and China&rsquo;s crucial roles in promoting stability and dialogue in the region on Tuesday.&nbsp; Speaking on Pakistan TV&rsquo;s The Newsroom with Sana Maqbool from Beijing, China, Zoon Ahmad Khan emphasized that both countries have long-term stakes in regional peace, connectivity and adherence to international law. She said China and Pakistan have consistently supported regional efforts, including trilateral dialogues with Iran focused on peace.&nbsp; &ldquo;We are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and have spearheaded initiatives to reduce misunderstandings and improve dialogue,&rdquo; the political analyst said. On Pakistan&rsquo;s role in the Middle East, Zoon said Pakistan has a security pact with Saudi Arabia, strong ties with neighbors like Iran, and has repeatedly pursued diplomacy and dialogue despite challenges. <div class="fr-embed youtube-embed"> </div>&ldquo;Pakistan, with a very balanced approach towards its neighbors and towards the Middle East region at large, is an excellent candidate; a country that can bring together the foreign ministers&#39; dialogue,&rdquo; she said, adding that, &ldquo;You have Turkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia coming together, trusting Pakistan, again, because of Pakistan&#39;s track record and the way Pakistan has conducted itself for years&rdquo;. Zoon also&nbsp;praised China&rsquo;s role in global peace initiatives.&nbsp; &ldquo;China promotes peace, connectivity, and dialogue through projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and multilateral mediation efforts. Its five principles of peaceful coexistence, central to its foreign policy, echo the spirit of the Bandung Movement and the rise of the Global South,&rdquo; she said. Highlighting Pakistan-China cooperation, Zoon Ahmad Khan said the strategic partnership, mutual trust and regional experience position both countries to facilitate positive developments.&nbsp; &ldquo;Pakistan previously played a key role in easing tensions between China and the US, demonstrating our capacity to act responsibly in times of global crises,&rdquo; she added. Zoon said the stakes are high, and all responsible countries must step up to prevent conflicts that could affect the world at large.

Middle East War ceasefire being discussed on Pakistan TV Satellite show, The Newsroom. (Screengrab: Pakisan TV Satellite)

Zoon Ahmed Khan says Pakistan and China play key roles in promoting regional peace, dialogue, and stability through cooperation and diplomacy.

Pakistan, China positioned to foster regional peace, analyst Zoon says

ISLAMABAD: China on Sunday strongly condemned the suicide bombing at an imambargah in Islamabad earlier this week, expressing full support for Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to ensure national security and stability.&nbsp;In a statement, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it was deeply shocked by the deadly attack and the loss of precious lives. China extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the martyrs and wished a swift recovery to the injured.&nbsp;&ldquo;China strongly condemns this attack, firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and fully supports the Pakistani government in safeguarding&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/four-facilitators-of-islamabad-mosque-attacker-afghan-mastermind-arrested-security-sources" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">national security</a>, social stability and the safety of its people,&rdquo; the statement said. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 696px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-2&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2020351783026237770&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2F&sessionId=468d0e6cfa34031d210f20c53920d0e34cb8bc27&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px"></iframe></div></div>The suicide bombing took place on Friday at Imambargah Qasr-i-Khadijatul Kubra in the Tarlai area of Islamabad, after Friday prayers.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-sharif-condemns-mosque-blast-orders-probe" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">More than 30 worshippers were martyred,</a>&nbsp;and over 100 others sustained injuries.&nbsp;Police said the suicide bomber was intercepted at the gate of the imambargah, where he detonated his explosive device. Footage from the site showed extensive damage, with bodies and debris scattered inside the prayer hall and injured people lying outside as rescue teams rushed to assist.&nbsp;The attack sparked nationwide grief and condemnation from political leaders, religious scholars and the public, while several countries also expressed solidarity with Pakistan.&nbsp;Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said security agencies carried out swift and coordinated operations following the attack, resulting in the arrest of four facilitators, including the mastermind, during overnight raids in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.&nbsp;He said the mastermind was an Afghan national affiliated with the banned terrorist organization Islamic State (IS) and that the terrorist network involved in the attack had been dismantled.&nbsp;Naqvi added that a police assistant sub-inspector embraced martyrdom during the operations, while several security personnel were injured.&nbsp;Investigations into the attack are continuing.

Security personnel cordon off the mosque’s perimeter in Islamabad on February 7, 2026, a day after a suicide bombing. (AFP/File)

Security

Its foreign office says China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and fully supports the Pakistani government in safeguarding national security.

China condemns Islamabad suicide bombing, backs Pakistan on security

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s embassy in Beijing has co-organized a job fair to connect Pakistani students and professionals with leading Chinese companies, marking what officials described as the first embassy-led initiative of its kind. The event was held in collaboration with the China Overseas Development Association (CODA) and China International Intellectech Group Co., Ltd., according to an official statement issued by the embassy. &ldquo;Nearly 2,000 participants joined on site and online,&rdquo; the embassy said, adding that &ldquo;a total of 372 Pakistani candidates registered, including close to 100 who took part in the on-site initial interviews.&rdquo; Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, described the job fair as a &ldquo;pilot initiative&rdquo; to link Pakistani talent with Chinese enterprises, particularly those involved in overseas projects. Addressing participants, Hashmi said the embassy was seeking to create &ldquo;practical pathways&rdquo; for employment while strengthening bilateral economic engagement. The ambassador reaffirmed the embassy&rsquo;s commitment to &ldquo;facilitating Chinese investment&rdquo; and to &ldquo;supporting enterprises in identifying and integrating qualified Pakistani professionals into their workforce,&rdquo; the statement said. During the event, the president of CODA urged Pakistani youth to capitalize on such initiatives to advance &ldquo;China-Pakistan cooperation,&rdquo; emphasizing the growing demand for skilled professionals across Chinese domestic and international projects. Participating companies presented their business portfolios and interacted directly with candidates during initial screening sessions, the statement said. The recruitment process has now moved into what organizers described as &ldquo;the next phase,&rdquo; with &ldquo;shortlisted candidates to be contacted for further interviews and selection.&rdquo; According to the embassy, the next phase of the recruitment process is expected to begin by Jan. 31.

The embassy brought students and professionals together with Chinese employers, launching a pilot recruitment drive to support overseas projects and expand employment opportunities for Pakistanis.

Pakistan embassy hosts Beijing job fair linking students with Chinese firms

Pakistan TV

Islamabad: Pakistan&rsquo;s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi has said Islamabad and Beijing have jointly called on the Afghan authorities not to allow its soil to be used against any third country and verifiably act against terrorist organisations present on their soil.&nbsp;Speaking in Pakistan TV&rsquo;s show &lsquo;Beyond Borders&rsquo;, Ambassador Hashmi said the situation was serious due to Afghan authorities&rsquo; inability or unwillingness to act against the TTP and other terrorist organisations based in Afghanistan.&nbsp;Both Pakistan and China want the authorities in Afghanistan to act decisively against them [terror groups] and prevent them from undertaking terrorist activities in any country, he added.&nbsp;The ambassador said Pakistan-China collaboration in the security realm was very robust and &ldquo;we have several mechanisms to promote it and further enhance it&rdquo;.&nbsp;He said on counterterrorism, Pakistan and China had dialogue mechanisms, signed MOUs and agreements to deepen cooperation, conduct joint exercises, exchange views, and also collaborate and cooperate on multilateral platforms.&nbsp;On bilateral relations, Ambassador Hashmi said the joint communique issued after the recent meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks about the enduring nature of the relationship between the two countries, which is based on mutual strategic trust, respect and support.&nbsp;&ldquo;This meeting was very significant in the sense that it came after less than five months of the previous round of strategic dialogue,&rdquo; he said, adding that it was also the first meeting between the Chinese foreign minister and Pakistani deputy prime minister within the first week of the new year.&nbsp;The ambassador further said the meeting was also significant as Pakistan and China were going to celebrate 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year, and in this context, both sides had started joint celebratory activities, such as inauguration of a logo and holding of a joint exhibition of historic photographs.&nbsp;&ldquo;But more specifically, I think both sides have agreed to inject fresh momentum into trade, economic and other practical cooperation, including the Karakoram Highway realignment project and many others,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;Ambassador Hashmi said both countries had also agreed to work on the implementation of the action plan that was signed last year during the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China.&nbsp;&ldquo;So all in all, we are committed to taking our relationship and our friendship forward and take it to new heights in the New Year,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;Ambassador Hashmi said Pakistan and China attached great importance to respect for international law, the UN Charter and opposition to unilateral actions, adding that these principles applied equally to Pakistan&rsquo;s core issues, including Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;He also criticised India&rsquo;s unilateral move to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance, calling it illegal and contrary to international law.&nbsp;The envoy went on to say that Pakistan had consistently expressed firm support for China&rsquo;s core interests, including Taiwan, Tibet, Xinjiang, Hong Kong and the South China Sea, saying this mutual backing reflected a high degree of strategic trust and support between the two countries.&nbsp;&ldquo;And that kind of mutual trust, mutual support will continue for all times to come,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;Ambassador Hashmi said Pakistan and China were committed to building the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor with high priority areas being mining, agriculture, industry, ICT and human resource development.&nbsp;He said both sides had decided to align phase two of CPEC with Pakistan&#39;s Uraan programme.

Beyond Borders

Pakistan and China jointly press Afghanistan to act against terror groups as Ambassador Khalil Hashmi highlights robust security cooperation, strategic trust, expanding trade ties and renewed momentum for CPEC phase two.

Articles tagged with "Pakistan China relations"

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Pakistan embassy hosts Beijing job fair linking students with Chinese firms

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China presents historic diplomatic award to Pakistan’s ambassador in Beijing