Islamabad: Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has announced that Pakistan will continue to work closely with China to ensure the security of Chinese citizens, projects, and institutions. This statement came during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong, who visited him in Islamabad. The Minister condemned a recent attack on Chinese nationals in Karachi, emphasizing that Pakistan will take all necessary measures to bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal expressed solidarity with China, stating that the government and people of Pakistan stand shoulder-to-shoulder with their Chinese counterparts during this challenging time. He extended sincere condolences to the families of the victims and assured that such acts, attempted to harm Pakistan-China relations, will not be tolerated. He further guaranteed the ambassador that the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan remains a top priority.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong highlighted the strong bond between the two countries, describing it as an “unbreakable iron brother bond.” He reiterated the commitment of leaders from both nations to elevate the relationship further. The Ambassador expressed China’s readiness for collaboration in various sectors like agriculture, mining, and industrial cooperation on a priority basis.

During the meeting, both parties discussed advancing key projects, including the Karachi-Hyderabad section of Main Line-1 (ML-1) and the Karakoram Highway (Thakot-Raikot Section) project. They concurred on the importance of accelerating the timely execution of these projects. Both sides reaffirmed their stance as all-weather friends, dedicated to bolstering their historic partnership through ongoing collaboration and strategic engagement.

Regarding the Gwadar Port and Free Zone, both parties expressed a mutual commitment to ensuring its continued development in a comprehensive manner.