ISLAMABAD, December 24, 2025 — Pakistan and China reaffirmed their strategic partnership and announced a united media front against disinformation during the 9th China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Media Forum held in Islamabad on Tuesday. The forum marked a decade of media collaboration between the two countries and set the tone for celebrations ahead of their 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Hosted by the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI), the forum brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and leading journalists from both sides. Participants resolved to establish a joint Rapid Response Network aimed at countering fake news and misleading narratives, particularly those targeting CPEC projects.
Welcoming the participants, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of PCI, described the forum’s entry into its 10th year as a milestone in Pakistan-China relations. He highlighted the Joint Action Plan formulated in September 2025 as a historic blueprint guiding future strategic cooperation.
Senator Mushahid drew attention to the growing threat of misinformation, referencing investigations that exposed hundreds of fake digital platforms operating against regional interests. He stressed that coordinated media action was essential to protect shared development initiatives. He also underlined the significance of 2026, which will mark 75 years of Pakistan-China relations and the 150th birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, noting that both milestones will be celebrated jointly.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong emphasized the central role of media in shaping public understanding of CPEC. He noted that since the forum’s inception in 2015, it has evolved alongside the corridor project, contributing to a positive public opinion environment.
Highlighting China’s economic resilience, the Ambassador stated that China recorded 5.2 percent GDP growth year-on-year during the first three quarters of 2025, with strong performance in high-tech manufacturing and new energy vehicles. He added that China’s GDP is expected to reach RMB 140 trillion this year.
Turning to Pakistan’s economy, Ambassador Jiang welcomed improvements including 3.04 percent GDP growth, foreign exchange reserves exceeding USD 20 billion, and improved sovereign outlooks by international rating agencies developments he described as strong momentum for CPEC 2.0.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar described Pakistan-China ties as an enduring bond between “Iron Brothers.” He called for the creation of a specialized fact-checking platform to counter false narratives surrounding national development projects. The minister also highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to modernize its communication landscape, including the establishment of the Digital Communication Department and Digital Pakistan Television.
Minister of State for Climate Change Dr. Shezra Mansab Ali Kharal reflected on China’s vision of peace and development and supported the call for safeguarding CPEC 2.0 through coordinated media efforts.
Senior journalists Hamid Mir and Mohammad Malick shared insights on regional disinformation campaigns and China’s global engagement, while Zheng Qongdong, President of Economic Daily, addressed the forum via video link.
The forum concluded with remarks from Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director of PCI, who reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to strengthening long-term Pakistan-China cooperation.
