ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, June 9, 2026 (WNP): Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said Pakistan and China share a unique and time-tested friendship that has grown stronger with every passing decade, describing the relationship as an enduring bond of “Iron Brothers” founded on mutual trust, respect and unwavering support.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, the achievements of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and global governance initiatives, Tarar said the occasion was a matter of immense pride for the people and government of Pakistan.
The event was attended by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, diplomats, academics and distinguished guests.
Tarar said the Pakistan-China relationship was unlike any other in the world and had stood the test of time through changing regional and global circumstances.
“Many countries describe their relations as friendly, cordial or brotherly. However, Pakistan and China enjoy the distinct honour of sharing a relationship that is uniquely described as that of Iron Brothers,” he said.
The minister paid tribute to the leadership and people of both countries for strengthening bilateral ties over the past 75 years and noted that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China had opened new avenues for cooperation and further elevated the strategic partnership between the two countries.
He described the friendship as a precious inheritance passed down through generations, recalling decades of mutual support, shared achievements and collective progress.
“Pakistan and China not only share a border; we share mountains, rivers, history and a bond that will continue to flourish for generations to come,” he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Global Governance Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tarar said the initiative had already begun producing positive outcomes by enhancing the representation of the Global South and contributing to improved livelihoods around the world.
The minister also highlighted the transformative impact of CPEC, describing it as a flagship project that had brought the people of Pakistan and China closer together while creating unprecedented opportunities for economic growth and development.
He paid tribute to Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal for his role in advancing CPEC and recalled Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Islamabad, which he said marked the beginning of a new era of progress and prosperity for both countries.
Tarar stressed the importance of strengthening cultural exchanges, academic cooperation, media collaboration and people-to-people contacts to further deepen bilateral relations.
“As Minister for Information and Broadcasting, I firmly believe that cultural exchanges, academic cooperation and media collaboration can play a vital role in strengthening this strategic partnership,” he said.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Tarar said he had personally benefited from exchange programmes between Pakistan and China during his early years in public service. He recalled participating in delegations to China under the auspices of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, describing the experience as enriching and instrumental in strengthening his understanding of bilateral relations.
“These exchanges are fruitful, productive and essential for building a brighter future for our peoples,” he said.
Concluding his address, the minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing CPEC, expanding bilateral cooperation and supporting initiatives for promoting inclusive global development and prosperity.
“On behalf of my ministry, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and the Government of Pakistan, I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to this enduring friendship. You will always find Pakistan standing shoulder to shoulder with China in pursuing our shared goals and aspirations,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with participants reiterating their commitment to further strengthening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China.
