Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has called for stronger institutional cooperation between Pakistan and China, emphasising that political continuity, effective governance, and people-centered development are essential for sustainable national progress.

According to Press Information Department, Ahsan Iqbal addressed the Symposium on Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building in Islamabad, where he highlighted that Pakistan’s political parties could draw valuable lessons from the Communist Party of China’s focus on public service, self-reform, organisational discipline, and long-term national planning. He stressed the importance of continuity in development, noting that Pakistan had paid a heavy price for abandoning sound policies with changes in government.

He underscored the need for national development plans to transcend electoral cycles, affirming that the Pakistan Muslim League (N) is committed to embedding these principles within Pakistan’s democratic framework. Recalling the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor’s (CPEC) launch under former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, he noted the first phase yielded approximately $25 billion in investment, delivering significant infrastructure and job creation.

Ahsan Iqbal reaffirmed the enduring nature of Pakistan-China relations, which he said transcends political differences. He proposed five political corridors between the CPC and Pakistani political parties, aiming to complement the five economic corridors. These corridors include strategic dialogue, governance and development learning, youth and leadership development, cultural connectivity, and regional peace and cooperation.

Emphasising youth engagement, he proposed reciprocal exchanges between young leaders of the CPC and Pakistani political parties, beginning with an initial cohort in 2027. He congratulated President Xi Jinping and the CPC on the successful conclusion of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee and highlighted the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations as a chance to enhance political and institutional cooperation.

He concluded by stressing that the true measure of leadership lies not merely in achievements during one’s tenure but in the enduring institutions, policies, and foundations left for future generations.