Pakistan and China have a long history of time tested friendship. Pak-China friendship is a model friendship between two neighbouring states. Both states have strong political, defence, social and economic relations and are working on principles of equality and mutual interests. Both states respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other. Pakistan has supported China in many issues and China has always provided us defence and economic assistance. In Pakistan, China has and still is investing in the development of infrastructure, roads, highway, ports, and energy and communications sectors.
The most recent memorandum, signed by both countries, declares the Chinese city of Zhuhai and Pakistan’s Gwadar as ‘twin cities’. The MoU was signed by vice mayor Zhuhai Wang Qingl Li and chairman district council Gwadar, Babu Gulab and Chairman Gwadar port authority Dostain Jamaldini. The two sides have undertaken several mega projects in Pakistan such as the Gwadar Deep Sea Port, the Coastal-Highway, linking Karachi with Gwadar, upgrading of the Karakoram Highway, the Chashma Nuclear Power Plants, and a number of hydro-power projects. Pakistan needs energy resources and nuclear power plants from China as Pakistan is facing the energy crises in the country. Today, apart from huge amount of unexplored oil and gas, Pakistan has 185 billion tons of coal reserves, which could be converted into energy to satisfy Pakistan’s growing demand. Besides, Pakistan welcomes Chinese experts for the exploration of its oil and gas resources.
AMNA MALIK,
Islamabad, February 16.