Shehbaz Sharif reiterates Pakistan’s commitment to secure environment for Chinese investments and personnel

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today highlighted Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a secure environment for Chinese personnel and investments, following the country’s military operation against Afghan Taliban militants who had launched unprovoked attacks along their shared border.

The announcement comes amidst ongoing discussions between Pakistan’s security forces and its Chinese counterparts. The two countries have agreed to maintain close coordination in efforts aimed at regional peace and prosperity.

In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Shehbaz underscored Pakistan’s resolve to “provide a secure and conducive environment for Chinese personnel, investments, and institutions within our borders.” The prime minister also reaffirmed the enduring all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Islamabad and Beijing. This partnership is characterized by deep mutual trust, ironclad friendship, and shared commitment to mutual support on core interests.

The handout noted that Shehbaz conveyed his warm greetings and best wishes to President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other Chinese leaders during the meeting, particularly on the occasion of the Chinese New Year. He appreciated China’s steadfast support in economic, security, and developmental spheres, especially through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The prime minister stressed the importance of accelerating ongoing CPEC projects while enhancing cooperation in areas such as agriculture, information technology (IT), and mining and minerals. The handout stated that Ambassador Jiang briefed Shehbaz on recent developments in China-Pakistan relations and conveyed warm greetings from the Chinese leadership.

Ambassador Jiang underscored China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and socio-economic development. He also reiterated Beijing’s firm support for Pakistan’s ongoing endeavors through CPEC.

Earlier in the day, China called for a ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid escalating conflict. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized China’s “deep concern” over the situation, suggesting that it was talking to both sides to mediate an end to clashes that had left Beijing “deeply concerned.”

The spokesperson highlighted that China has been involved in mediation efforts through its channels and is committed to playing a constructive role in easing tensions. She added that both Chinese diplomatic missions in Pakistan and Afghanistan were working closely with relevant parties on this matter.

These developments underscore the close collaboration between Pakistan and China, particularly concerning regional security and economic cooperation under the CPEC framework.