- Platinum Jubilee Publication Highlights the Evolution, Resilience and Future of the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership
ISLAMABAD: The China-Pakistan Study Centre (CPSC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) organized the launch of a special Platinum Jubilee edition of PIVOT Magazine, titled “Pakistan-China All-Weather Partnership in Peace and Progress at Platinum Jubilee,” commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.
The publication brings together diverse perspectives on the evolution, achievements and future trajectory of the enduring Pakistan-China partnership, while highlighting opportunities to further deepen bilateral cooperation in emerging areas.
Distinguished Speakers Highlight the Depth of Bilateral Ties
Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, former Ambassador of Pakistan to China, delivered the keynote address, while Mr. Xu Hangtian, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, attended as the Guest of Honour.
The event also featured contributions from Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan, Director, Pakistan Institute of China Studies, University of Sargodha; Dr. Sadaf Jabbar, Faculty Member, Department of Chinese Language and Literature, NUML Islamabad; and Professor Huang Yunsong, Associate Dean, School of International Studies and Deputy Director, Institute of South Asian Studies, Sichuan University.
Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman, Board of Governors, ISSI; Ambassador Moin ul Haque, Director General, ISSI; and Dr. Talat Shabbir, Director, CPSC, also addressed the gathering.
A Partnership Built on Trust, Respect and Mutual Support
In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Moin ul Haque described Pakistan-China relations as being characterized by exceptional trust, mutual respect and steadfast support.
He underscored the strong people-to-people dimension of the bilateral relationship and highlighted its expanding scope across defence, trade and investment, industry, agriculture, green technology, climate change, clean energy, civil nuclear energy, space, health, education, culture and media.
Ambassador Haque also emphasized the importance of China’s development experience, particularly its focus on long-term planning, innovation, research and development, and sustained socio-economic progress, as an important source of lessons for Pakistan.
PIVOT Documents 75 Years of an Enduring Partnership
Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi described the special Platinum Jubilee edition of PIVOT as a comprehensive publication documenting both the evolution and future direction of Pakistan-China relations.
She emphasized that the relationship must be continuously nurtured and protected against complacency and disinformation. She also highlighted the importance of strategic communication, public diplomacy and good governance, while stressing the value of learning from China’s development experience.
Cultural Diplomacy and People-to-People Links
Dr. Tahir Mumtaz Awan emphasized the critical role of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connectivity in further strengthening bilateral relations.
He called for enhanced institutional cooperation through documentaries, films, cultural centres and exchange programmes, while highlighting the importance of greater youth engagement, digital initiatives and collaborative research.
Dr. Sadaf Jabbar underscored the central role of language, education and cultural understanding in bringing the peoples of Pakistan and China closer.
She called for stronger cooperation among think tanks, expanded Chinese studies, joint translation projects, student exchanges and broader cultural collaboration.
CPEC 2.0 and the Next Phase of Economic Cooperation
Professor Huang Yunsong described PIVOT as an important contribution to policy-oriented scholarship on Pakistan-China relations and highlighted the evolving character of the bilateral economic partnership.
He emphasized the transition towards CPEC 2.0, with greater emphasis on green modernization, high-value industrial integration, technological innovation and productivity enhancement.
Professor Huang also called for expanded academic exchanges, joint research and cooperation in industrial development, agriculture, climate adaptation, clean energy, water resources and regional connectivity.
China Highlights Opportunities in Technology and Industrial Cooperation
Mr. Xu Hangtian congratulated ISSI on the launch of the special edition and described PIVOT as a valuable joint contribution to strengthening understanding of the unique Pakistan-China friendship.
He highlighted the growing role of Chinese enterprises in Pakistan, particularly in local production, employment generation and technology transfer.
He identified significant opportunities for further cooperation in industrialization, digitalization, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and other emerging technologies.
The Chinese diplomat also stressed the importance of expanding people-to-people and educational exchanges, investing in youth development, countering misinformation and strengthening cooperation in space and other emerging fields.
Looking Beyond 75 Years Towards a Shared Future
In his opening remarks, Dr. Talat Shabbir highlighted the remarkable transformation of Pakistan-China relations into an exceptionally close partnership encompassing political, diplomatic, economic, developmental, cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
He emphasized that the 75th anniversary provides an important opportunity not only to reflect on the achievements of the past but also to chart new avenues for cooperation in emerging fields.
Building on 75 Years of Friendship
In his concluding remarks, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood reaffirmed the enduring character of the Pakistan-China friendship and emphasized the importance of building upon the strong foundations established over the past 75 years.
He stressed the need to further strengthen economic, intellectual, cultural and people-to-people cooperation, while looking towards the future with renewed commitment to the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
A Partnership Poised for the Future
The launch of the special Platinum Jubilee edition of PIVOT reaffirmed the depth and resilience of Pakistan-China relations and underscored the shared commitment to carrying the partnership into a new era.
As Pakistan and China mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, the discussions highlighted a common vision of deeper economic integration, technological cooperation, cultural understanding and people-to-people connectivity—reinforcing the enduring spirit of the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.
BY: Nadeem Faisal Baiga
