Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that starting August 14, Pakistan will offer free visas to Chinese citizens. This announcement was made following a meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation, which PM Sharif described as a milestone in bilateral relations.
“China and Pakistan share an eternal bond of friendship,” remarked PM Sharif, highlighting the ongoing cooperation between the two countries. He emphasized the potential for enhanced collaboration in several areas, including industry, agriculture, and economic zones.
Increased agricultural cooperation will enable Pakistan to export high-demand products to China, meeting Chinese quality standards and expanding trade opportunities. PM Sharif also noted the potential for industrial cooperation, with the transfer of advanced industrial projects from China to Pakistan being mutually beneficial.
“We are keen on joint ventures and corporations in China’s advanced industrial sectors,” he stated, outlining the strategic benefits of such partnerships.
The announcement of free visas follows recent security concerns involving Chinese citizens in Pakistan. PM Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals, referencing the tragic incident in Bisham where Chinese citizens were killed. He assured that stringent measures have been implemented to secure Chinese investments and personnel across Pakistan.
Mr. Shehbaz’s remarks came during a meeting with a 12-member Chinese delegation led by Wang Fukang. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, along with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong.
During the meeting, Sharif reiterated his vision of transforming Pakistan’s economy by emulating the Chinese model, expressing confidence that with Chinese expertise, Pakistan will soon be on the path to economic progress.
“Our friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deep sea,” Sharif said, underscoring the profound and multifaceted nature of Pakistan-China relations.
