An impressive and well-attended reception held here on Tuesday to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was the chief guest on the occasion. The reception was hosted by the Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and the Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong.

Prominent among those attended event included Deputy Head of Mission Chinese Embassy Shi Yuanqiang, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Ullah Tarrar and special Assistant to PM Syed Tariq Fatami. A number of public figures and civil and military officials were also present on the occasion.

Speeches were delivered by Gen. Shamshad Mirza and Major General Wang Zhong, highlighting the PLA's high-ranking military status and its achievements in peace and development, as well Sino-Pak longstanding friendship and military to military cooperation between the countries.

According to an ISPR's press release, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), attended commemoration ceremony of 98th founding day of People’s Liberation Army of People’s Republic of China as a Chief Guest. The ceremony drew a distinguished gathering of civilian and military officials, media representatives, business leaders and members of civil society, reflecting the broad-based support for this partnership.

Chairman JCSC extended profound felicitations to the people of China, its military leadership and all ranks of People’s Liberation Army (PLA). He commended PLA’s pivotal role under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Xi Jinping for China’s remarkable development and rapid modernisation, which has transformed People’s Republic of China into a key pillar of peace, stability and prosperity. CJCSC highlighted China as a stabilizing factor in the regional security dynamics.

In his address, the CJCSC highlighted the enduring and time-tested “Iron-clad brotherhood” between Pakistan and China, with shared resolve to broaden and deepen this unique relationship across all domains. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment towards security of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan and advancing collaboration on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, strengthening defence ties and promoting regional harmony and development.

The event celebrated the PLA’s evolution into a modern, professional military force renowned for its peaceful role in global affairs since its foundation on August 1, 1927. It has marked its position as a world force playing a significant role in promoting peace. It was noted that strong bond between the armed forces of China and Pakistan has been a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship, especially in fostering regional peace and stability.

Their reliable friendship and practical collaboration have grown to include joint exercises, personal exchanges, training, equipment support, and counter-terrorism efforts. The event celebrated the PLA’s evolution into a modern, professional military force renowned for its peaceful role in global affairs since its foundation on August 1, 1927.

It has marked its position as a world force playing a significant role in promoting peace. It was noted that strong bond between the armed forces of China and Pakistan has been a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship, especially in fostering regional peace and stability.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China