Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday left for Tianjin on an official visit to China, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Adviser Tariq Fatemi. The visit carries strong diplomatic and economic significance for Pakistan as it seeks to deepen ties with China and regional partners.

The premier will attend and address the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, where he is expected to present Pakistan’s position on peace efforts, regional connectivity, sustainable development, and the challenges posed by climate change. He will also hold sideline meetings with world leaders, reinforcing Pakistan’s role as an active voice for regional cooperation and stability.

Following the SCO sessions, the PM will travel to Beijing, where he will join the 80th anniversary commemorations of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance.He will invite investors to take advantage of Pakistan’s pro-business policies, emphasizing opportunities in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology sectors under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.

Ahead of the summit, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to its “iron friendship” with China, calling it a cornerstone for peace and prosperity in the region.Speaking on CGTN’s Global South Voices, Dar highlighted the SCO as a vital platform for security, trade, energy, and connectivity, noting that its role has become increasingly important in today’s multipolar world.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)