All the mainstream political parties of Pakistan display exemplary consensus to back the CPEC

ISLAMABAD, June 21 (SABAH): All the mainstream political parties of Pakistan have displayed exemplary consensus to back the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The leaders while speaking at the CPEC Pakistan-China Political Parties Forum and 3rd Meeting of CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultative Mechanism in Islamabad on Friday reiterated their unwavering commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China by thwarting all nefarious designs.

The Meeting was co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar and Minister of Central Committee of the International Department of Communist Party of China (IDCPC) Mr. Liu Jianchao. It was attended by Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the senior leadership of all major political parties including MQM’s Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Maulana Fazlur Rehman of JUI-F, Hina Rabbani Khar of PPP, Senator Syed Ali Zafar of PTI, Munazza Hassan of Istehkam Pakistan Party, National Party’s Senator Jan Muhammad, Engineer Ihsanullah from ANP; Mushahid Hussain Syed from PML-N; Afrasiab Khan Khattak from NDM; and Asif Luqman Qazi from Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan.

Addressing the JCM, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister appreciated the positive contributions of CPEC to Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, progress and prosperity. Lauding the political consensus on CPEC in the two countries, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister expressed Pakistan’s firm resolve to build upon the achievements of CPEC and for its upgradation in its Phase-II. He added that the presence of senior representatives of all major political parties of Pakistan in the Meeting sent a strong signal of complete political consensus in Pakistan on the importance of Pakistan-China friendship and its salience for regional peace and development.

In his remarks, Minister Liu Jianchao expressed China’s readiness to work with Pakistan to jointly develop five major corridors of growth, better life, innovation, green development, and openness, with a focus on building an upgraded version of CPEC. He underlined the role of political parties in consolidating Pakistan-China relations and to develop broad political consensus in support for CPEC, facilitate bilateral exchanges, and create more platforms for bilateral cooperation. He expressed interest of the Chinese side to strengthen party-to-party exchanges and the readiness of the Communist Party of China to hold the Fourth Meeting of the JCM in 2026.

Addressing the JCM, Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said all the political parties are committed to CPEC as it promoted collaboration in health, education, information technology and other sectors besides its contribution to addressing the power woes of the country. He urged both sides to work together for a green and resilient future besides strengthening partnership in education and tourism sectors.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the transformative project bonding Pakistan and China to a shared vision of progress, prosperity, and cooperation. “CPEC, the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has transcended geographical boundaries, connecting our two great nations in unprecedented ways” , the Senate Chairman remarked, adding that CPEC has become a symbol of enduring friendship, mutual respect, and shared aspirations.

He observed that CPEC is not merely a network of roads, railways, and energy infrastructure rather it is a lifeline for economic growth and job creation.

He said our commitment to CPEC remains unwavering, as we recognize its potential to drive Pakistan’s economic engine and create employment opportunities for our people. CPEC has strengthened connectivity, fostering trade, investment, and cultural exchange, the Chairman Senate observed.

He said that the project opened up new avenues for collaboration in key sectors such as health, education, and technology. The positive impacts of the project have brought development, prosperity, and hope to Pakistani people. “We must continue to prioritize inclusive and sustainable growth, ensuring that no region is left behind”, Chairman Senate emphasized.

Regarding Pakistan’s partnership and relationships with china, the Senate Chairman said that it is rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to global peace and stability.

He further said that Pakistan and China historically stood shoulder to shoulder in promoting peace, stability, and development in our region. “Together, we can address common challenges, foster dialogue, and build bridges of understanding” , he observed.

He called for encouraging cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and tourism to deepen bilateral understanding and friendship.

Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani also extended gratitude to Chinese counterparts, especially Minister Liu Jianchao, for unwavering support while acknowledging 3rd JCM as a testament to shared commitment to progress and prosperity.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the Parliamentary Committee on CPEC ensured vigilant oversight of the government and followed up on the progress of the projects under CPEC through regular reporting to the Parliament of Pakistan.

He reaffirmed the resolve of the parliament, government, and people of Pakistan to build on past successes and in ensuring that CPEC reaches its full potential.

JUI-Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership for their unconditional support of the Kashmir cause and reiterated Pakistan’s support on the Taiwan issue.

Minister for Federal Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and Munazza Hassan called for an enhanced focus on education, information technology and artificial intelligence to harness the youth’s potential.

Syed Ali Zafar called for accelerating CPEC projects while Chairman of Pakistan-China Institute Mushahid Hussain Sayed reiterated the political parties’ commitment to take the CPEC-II forward.

National Party’s Senator Jan Muhammad called for technical training of Balochistan’s youth, while Afrasiab Khattak cautioned against the designs of the hegemonic forces in the region trying to disrupt peace.

The fourth meeting of the JCM will be held in China in 2026.