ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (Diya TV) — Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday praised China for its continued financial and economic support to his beleaguered nation. He said this partnership has helped stabilize Pakistan’s economy and boosted the country’s macroeconomic outlook.
During a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also stressed the importance of completing various CPEC-related infrastructure and development projects.
Sharif noted that CPEC remains a central part of Pakistan’s long-term economic plan. The corridor is a major investment under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and links Gwadar Port in Pakistan’s Balochistan province to China’s Xinjiang region. The total value of CPEC has grown to over $62 billion, with more than $25 billion already invested in Pakistan.
The prime minister specifically mentioned several key projects. These include the Main Line-I (ML-I) railway project, which aims to upgrade the vital railway link between Peshawar and Karachi. He also highlighted the realignment of the Karakoram Highway, the operationalization of Gwadar Port, and growing cooperation in agriculture, industry, and information technology.
“These projects will help drive Pakistan’s economic growth and improve regional connectivity,” Sharif said.
The meeting emphasized the strong and enduring relationship between the two countries. Sharif called the bond an “iron-clad All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.” He said Pakistan remains fully dedicated to working with China for the successful implementation of all ongoing and future CPEC initiatives.
“China’s consistent support has been vital to our economic recovery,” Sharif said. “It plays a key role in our socio-economic development agenda.”
The two leaders also discussed regional security issues, including the recent Iran-Israel conflict. The ambassador praised Pakistan’s efforts on the international stage, particularly at the United Nations Security Council, for promoting peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
Jiang said that Pakistan has played a “proactive and positive role” in encouraging peaceful solutions to regional crises. He also expressed hope for continued cooperation between the two countries on global diplomatic issues.
Sharif extended his thanks to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, expressing confidence in the success of the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.
The two sides discussed ongoing preparations for the prime minister’s visit to China, scheduled for the end of August 2025. Jiang confirmed that both countries are working closely to ensure the success of the visit. He also briefed Sharif on the broader scope of bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and China.
The CPEC has not been without controversy. India opposes the corridor because it passes through Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which New Delhi claims as its own. Despite this, Pakistan and China have continued to expand their collaboration under the BRI.
The CPEC, launched in 2013, is widely seen as China’s largest international investment venture. It aims to create trade routes and promote development across Asia and beyond. For Pakistan, it is a lifeline in an otherwise struggling economy.
Pakistan sees the CPEC as a vital opportunity to reshape its infrastructure and economy. Investments have created thousands of jobs and improved energy production and transportation networks. The projects have also attracted foreign investors and brought international attention to Pakistan’s development potential.
Sharif’s remarks on Tuesday reflect the government’s focus on using foreign partnerships to address long-standing economic challenges. With inflation high and foreign reserves limited, support from China offers Islamabad a critical economic cushion.
