Adil Shahzeb

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) transformed Pakistan&rsquo;s economic landscape at a time when the country was facing severe energy shortages, crediting China&rsquo;s unwavering support as a defining feature of the bilateral partnership. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV head Adil Shahzeb in Beijing aired on current affairs programme &lsquo;Beyond Borders&rsquo;, Ahsan Iqbal said the first phase of CPEC directly benefited ordinary Pakistanis by addressing crippling electricity shortages that had paralysed economic and social life across the country.&#39; He said China&rsquo;s investment of around $25 billion in energy and infrastructure projects helped add nearly 8,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, benefiting hospitals, schools, factories and households nationwide. <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-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2058976964313235698&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F6158%2F&sessionId=43fcca235e7efd22e8f1a2b99e2c10749c894e76&theme=light&widgetsVersion=6a3ad42b224df%3A1778106238597&width=550px">&nbsp;</iframe></div></div><div class="fr-embed"><div><div> </div> Recalling the launch of CPEC in 2013, he described it as an unprecedented economic partnership that rapidly moved from &ldquo;a piece of paper&rdquo; to major on-ground development projects within just three years.</div></div> Iqbal also spoke about what he termed an &ldquo;organised campaign&rdquo; against CPEC during its early years, saying the government countered misinformation through public engagement and fact-based communication. He said consensus among all provinces eventually helped accelerate the project&rsquo;s progress. Discussing CPEC 2.0, the minister said the new phase places greater emphasis on livelihoods, poverty alleviation and human resource development through what he called the &ldquo;corridor of livelihoods&rdquo;, aimed at creating opportunities for ordinary citizens and improving education and skills development. Turning to regional diplomacy, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan&rsquo;s role in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran had earned global appreciation, including from Chinese leadership. He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir played an important role in bringing both sides to the negotiation table after decades of hostility. According to the minister, the easing of tensions prevented further disruption to the global economy and rising fuel prices. He expressed hope that a resolution could be achieved soon, stressing that prolonged conflict would hurt poor populations worldwide through inflation and economic instability. Speaking during celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations in Beijing, Iqbal described the relationship as an &ldquo;Iron Brotherhood&rdquo; built on &ldquo;unbreakable trust&rdquo;, saying both countries had never witnessed an &ldquo;autumn&rdquo; in bilateral ties throughout their diplomatic history.

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, left, speaks during an interview with Pakistan Television head Adil Shahzeb in Beijing, China. 

Beyond Borders

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said Chinese investment under CPEC added thousands of megawatts to Pakistan’s power grid, while Pakistan also helped ease tensions between the United States and Iran through diplomacy.

Ahsan Iqbal hails CPEC success, highlights Pakistan’s role in US-Iran talks

Web Desk

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: 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

ISLAMABAD:&nbsp;Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said Pakistan&rsquo;s mineral exports could rise to $6-8 billion annually within the decade if the country shifts from raw extraction to value-added production, highlighting China&rsquo;s role as central to this transformation. Addressing the Pak-China Mineral Cooperation Forum in Islamabad, Iqbal said Pakistan aims to develop mineral processing plants, smelters, refineries, and mineral-based industrial clusters linked to Special Economic Zones. He said Islamabad was seeking joint ventures capable of serving regional and global markets, not just domestic demand.<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-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2016442560554926421&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=739439a1ad756df616edae99b290ba9ad91eaf16&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 646px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div> &ldquo;The transformation of Pakistan&rsquo;s mineral economy cannot happen without strategic partners, and China&rsquo;s role is central,&rdquo; he said, adding that future cooperation should focus on technology, innovation, human capital development, and long-term partnerships. The minister reiterated that the security of Chinese nationals and investments remained a top national priority. Referring to the second phase of the China&ndash;Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), he said it was aimed at turning connectivity into productivity, exports, jobs, and sustainable growth. He expressed hope that the next phase would help modernize Pakistan&rsquo;s agriculture, industry, and technological capacity, enabling export-led growth. Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik said Pakistan, with China&rsquo;s support, was positioning itself as a reliable long-term partner in the global mineral supply chain.&nbsp; He invited Chinese companies, service providers, and equipment suppliers to deepen their engagement in Pakistan&rsquo;s mineral sector, saying closer cooperation could help build mutually beneficial partnerships for both countries. Gwadar as a global trade hub At a separate occasion, Iqbal reaffirmed his commitment to turning Gwadar into a global trade hub, &nbsp;state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported. A seminar and exhibition titled &ldquo;Gwadar: Modern Coastal City 2026&rdquo; was held on Wednesday, aimed at promoting <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/large-pod-of-bottlenose-dolphins-spotted-in-gwadar-says-wwfpakistan" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gwadar</a> as a modern, sustainable, and world-class coastal and trade city. Experts, policymakers, investors, representatives of educational institutions, and business executives from both Pakistan and abroad participated in the seminar. <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; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-2" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 921px; 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=2016210954820977042&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=1df853bb93a9594bd4a1433515b76d3755244cc3&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>In his address as the chief guest, the minister described the industrial and commercial development of <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-trkiye-explore-ferry-service-and-maritime-partnership" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" rel="noopener noreferrer">Gwadar Port</a> as a national priority. He said that Gwadar is no longer just a port but is becoming a strategic route connecting Pakistan to the global trade system. Center of modern infrastructure&nbsp;The federal minister said that the government is implementing an integrated strategy to make Gwadar a center of modern infrastructure, industry, trade, logistics, and tourism. He emphasized that the primary purpose of Gwadar&rsquo;s development is to provide the local population with employment, education, health, water, and electricity, so that the benefits of development reach the common citizen. During the seminar, discussions were held on important topics such as policymaking, investment opportunities, port security, regional connectivity, environmentally friendly development, and sustainable urban planning. The speakers agreed that the development of Gwadar would play a key role in advancing Pakistan&rsquo;s economic sovereignty and boosting exports. Global connectivityOn this occasion, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed said that Gwadar is emerging as a strategic center for trade, port-based economy, and global connectivity in the region, with the potential to link Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia. Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, Aftabur Rehman Rana, highlighted Gwadar&rsquo;s tourism potential in his address, saying that coastal tourism, cultural heritage, and natural beauty could give Gwadar a prominent position on the global tourism map. Scholars who spoke at the event included Dr Muhammad Jamil Ahmed, who said that Gwadar Port has full potential to become a center for regional trade, logistics, and transit trade, which could give Pakistan a competitive edge in the region. Dr Hasan Dawood Butt, highlighting Gwadar&rsquo;s industrial potential and Special Economic Zones, said that investment in industrial zones would create new employment opportunities and could significantly increase exports. Dean of the National University of Sciences and Technology, Dr Ashfaq Hasan Khan, emphasized in his speech that the social and economic development of the local population should be central to Gwadar&rsquo;s growth to ensure sustainable, inclusive development. At the end of the seminar, participants called it a key milestone for Pakistan&rsquo;s economic growth, regional links, and future plans, and showed their dedication to ongoing collaboration to make Gwadar a world-class, modern coastal city.

Economy

Federal planning minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted value-added mining with Chinese partnership, security assurances, and CPEC phase two goals; separately, discussions focused on Gwadar’s industrial, logistical, and tourism development, emphasizing infrastructure, regional connectivity, and export-led growth.

Pakistan reiterates mineral export boost, eyes Gwadar as trade hub

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said on Thursday that&nbsp;Taiwan is an &quot;inalienable part of China&#39;s territory.&quot;&nbsp; Speaking at the weekly press briefing in the capital, the FO spokesperson cited a joint communiqu&eacute; from the seventh round of Pakistan-China Strategic Dialogue held January 4 in Beijing. &quot;Pakistan reaffirmed its firm commitment to One-China principle and reiterated that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China&#39;s territory,&quot; Andrabi said. Pakistan also supports China&#39;s efforts toward national reunification on issues concerning Xinjiang, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. Backs counterterrorism efforts The FO spokesperson revealed that China pledged steadfast support for Pakistan&#39;s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.&nbsp; Beijing praised Pakistan&#39;s counterterrorism measures and recognized &quot;the significant contribution and huge sacrifices that Pakistan has made in combating terrorism over many years.&quot; On Kashmir, China said the dispute &quot;is a leftover from the history and should be properly and peacefully resolved in accordance with the UN Charter, relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and bilateral agreements.&quot; Economic corridor expansion Both countries agreed to build on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, part of the Belt and Road Initiative project. They will align development plans across defense, security, economy, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The two sides agreed to oppose unilateral actions and talked about the need to maintain peace and stability in South Asia through dialogue and consultations. Afghanistan security concerns Andrabi stated that Pakistan and China agreed for &quot;more visible and verifiable actions to dismantle and eliminate all terrorist organization based in Afghanistan which continue to pose serious threats to regional peace and global security.&quot; They agreed to prevent terrorist groups from using Afghan territory for attacks against other countries. Both nations will continue cooperation through the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan trilateral foreign ministers&#39; dialogue and the China-Bangladesh-Pakistan cooperation mechanism. Kashmir self-determination day Pakistan observed Right to Self-Determination Day for Jammu and Kashmir on January 5, marking the 1949 UN Security Council resolution that enshrined the right of Kashmiris to determine their future through a UN-supervised plebiscite. &quot;The Kashmiri people have been denied this right by India for over decades,&quot; Andrabi said. &quot;The illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir by India stands as a stark tragedy of our time.&quot; Andrabi said thousands of Kashmiri leaders and civil society members remain imprisoned, including Musarrat Alam, Shabbir Ahmed Shah, Asiya Andrabi and Dr Qasim Fakhto. He said Yasin Malik was convicted after &quot;a sham trial,&quot; while journalist Irfan Mehraj is jailed for reprisals by Indian authorities. Pakistan condemned India&#39;s August 5, 2019, actions as &quot;a blatant attempt to consolidate the illegal occupation through demographic engineering&quot; that violates international law. &quot;Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering moral, political and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for the right to self-determination,&quot; Andrabi said. Regional diplomacy The FO spokesperson stated that the country&rsquo;s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar&nbsp;held phone calls with foreign ministers from Myanmar, Indonesia, Egypt, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates this week. The talks covered bilateral relations and regional issues, including developments in Gaza, Somalia, and Yemen. The foreign minister spoke twice with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, welcoming Saudi Arabia&#39;s statement on Yemen. Dar stated that regional parties &quot;must avoid any escalatory move&quot; and resolve issues through dialogue. Andrabi also mentioned Azerbaijan&#39;s Economy Minister Mikhail Jabarov discussing a $2 billion investment in Pakistan with Dar. Both sides agreed to finalize mechanisms for Azerbaijani investment in identified sectors of Pakistan&#39;s economy.

Politics

Pakistan’s weekly briefing highlights China ties and calls for action against terrorism based in Afghanistan.

Articles tagged with "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)"

Ahsan Iqbal hails CPEC success, highlights Pakistan’s role in US-Iran talks

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

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

Pakistan reiterates mineral export boost, eyes Gwadar as trade hub

Pakistan backs One-China policy, calls Taiwan part of Chinese territory: FO