ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), emphasizing its role in helping the nation achieve its development targets.

According to Radio Pakistan, Iqbal addressed a seminar organized by the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, detailing a comprehensive roadmap for the second phase of CPEC. This phase includes five corridors: Corridor of Growth, Corridor of Livelihoods, Corridor of Innovation, Green Corridor, and Open Corridor. The Open Corridor is particularly aimed at involving other countries to make CPEC a project of regional development, tailored to meet Pakistan’s needs.

Highlighting the strong Pakistan-China partnership, Iqbal noted that their bilateral relationship has strengthened over the years. This year, in particular, is marked by a significant milestone as the first Pakistani astronaut is scheduled to travel to space with China’s assistance.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar, speaking at the same seminar, highlighted the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. He described the countries’ bond as unbreakable, noting that the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China further solidified this relationship. Tarar also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Global Governance Initiative, led by President Xi Jinping, which aims to enhance the representation and improve the lives of people in the Global South. Additionally, he stressed the importance of cultural exchanges and media cooperation in strengthening the Pakistan-China partnership, underscoring the CPEC’s role in bringing the two peoples closer over the years.