A high-profile event focusing on Pakistan’s foreign relations, particularly with China and the United States, was held, attending by Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren, foreign affairs expert Muhammad Mehdi, former National Security Advisor Gen Nasser Janjua, Safdar Ali Khan, and other distinguished participants and organized by chairman Sarzameen forum Safdar khan. Speakers emphasized the need for Pakistan to base its foreign policy decisions on national interest rather than emotions, according to a report carried by Gwadar Pro on Sunday.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Consul General Zhao said he was honored to reflect on the “unique and time-tested” China–Pakistan friendship. He described the relationship as rooted in shared ancient civilizations and strengthened over 74 years of diplomatic ties. He noted that high-level engagement between the two countries has increased significantly this year, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China and the signing of an action plan that outlines 63 areas of cooperation from now until 2029.

Highlighting a decade of CPEC progress, he said the project has brought $25.93 billion in investment, created 261,000 jobs, built 510 km of expressways, added over 8,000 MW of electricity, and expanded the power transmission network by 886 km. Projects like the Orange Line Metro, Haier-Ruba Economic Zone, Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, and Chashma Nuclear Power Plant have delivered direct benefits to millions.

He said CPEC is now entering a “high-quality” second phase focusing on five corridors—Growth, Livelihood, Innovation, Green, and Open.

Phase 2 aims to boost industrial, agricultural, and mining cooperation, promote new sectors such as IT, AI, and digital economy, and strengthen business-to-business linkages. The Consul General added that developments under China's 15th Five-Year Plan and ongoing modernization will create new opportunities aligned with Pakistan’s “Uraan Pakistan” vision, generating skilled jobs and empowering youth.

He emphasized that in a rapidly changing global environment, the China–Pakistan partnership remains a pillar of stability. By supporting global development, security, and cultural initiatives, both countries continue to contribute to regional peace and global economic recovery.

Concluding his remarks, he reaffirmed China’s firm support for Pakistan’s development, investments, and long-term prosperity, expressing confidence that both nations will continue building a “community of shared future” for peace and progress.

Addressing the gathering, Muhammad Mehdi highlighted that Pakistan’s relations with both the US and China are shaped by long histories—marked by cooperation, challenges, and shifting policies.

He noted that although the United States supported Pakistan during its early years, it later imposed sanctions. These developments, he said, deeply influenced Pakistan’s strategic thinking. He pointed out that in the aftermath of the 2019 Balakot crisis, China took a clearer position supporting Pakistan’s sovereignty.

The speaker added that it is possible for Pakistan to maintain strong ties with both the US and China, but it must make decisions with clarity and realism rather than relying on symbolic gestures or political rhetoric.

Discussing CPEC, he said it remains the strongest economic partnership between the two countries, but delays in implementation have limited the benefits felt by the public.

He stressed that more important than announcing “CPEC Phase 2” is ensuring that ordinary Pakistanis see real improvements in their daily lives.

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