Prime Minister Imran Khan while heaping praise on Communist Party of China (CPC) Tuesday said that Pakistan-China’s strategic partnership reflected the time-tested ties between the two ‘Iron brothers’ as both countries shared objectives for global peace, economic cooperation and wider regional connectivity.

Addressing ‘CPC and World Political Parties Summit’ held virtually to mark 100th anniversary of founding of Communist Party of China, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support to Chinese leadership efforts to safeguard world peace and shared progress and prosperity through Belt and Road Initiative.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Pakistan, I would like to convey our heartfelt felicitations to His Excellency President Xi Jinpingand the Chinese people on the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of China.  I am confident that our discourse in this Summit would shed new light on the role of political parties in advancing the well-being of people.”

“Founding of the CPC in 1921 was a seminal event in world history.  The vision of the CPC leadership ignited the spirit of the Chinese Nation and encouraged them to wage an epic struggle for liberation from foreign occupation.  Chairman Mao Zedong, and subsequently Deng Xiaoping, guided the Chinese people in reclaiming national dignity, self pride, self respect and China’s rightful place in the world.   For decades, the CPC’s spirit instilled new vigor and hope beyond China’s borders. It inspired peoples of colonized nations and contributed to the end of colonialism. CPC’s astonishing success rests in the people-centric approach of its inclusive development philosophy.

“It remained committed to serve the people and prioritize their well-being and interests. CPC’s achievements of all-round national development, poverty alleviation, anti-corruption campaign, and nation-building, are truly remarkable. It is something we hope to emulate in Pakistan. CPC’s achievements have opened new vistas of thought for political parties across the world. CPC has proven that attainment of political power is primarily meant for bringing a transformation in the lives of people and making them masters of their own destiny.

Lauding efforts of the Chinese leadership especially President Xi Jinping, the prime minister said that CPC’s had led to all round national development and poverty eradication in China, a great achievement, and hoped that these measures would be emulated by Pakistan.

President Xi’s visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in China’s transformation and continued rise. He said President Xi’s people-centric philosophy has made a critical difference as China has eliminated extreme poverty, one of the greatest achievements in the history of mankind, and achieved CPC's goal of building a ‘moderately prosperous society'.

“President Xi’s vision of shared prosperity, through BRI, has made a major impact on global sustainable development, thus proving his credentials as a world statesman. Under President Xi’s stewardship, China has achieved major success in the ‘people’s war’ against the COVID-19 pandemic. President Xi’s declaration of making the COVID-19 vaccines a global public good is reflective of his compassion and fairness.”

He said CPC’s mission of ‘Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese nation’ and PTI’s vision of ‘Naya Pakistan’ reflect the respective aspirations of the people of our two countries.

“I formed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf 25 years ago on the principles of accountability, transparency, meritocracy and Islamic Welfare to break the vicious cycle of elite capture, corruption and nepotism. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf remains committed to its original mission of establishing rule of law and setting up a society that is humane and compassionate. Today, the Ehsaas Program launched by PTI government last year, is one of the leading social protection programmes in Asia. In its second phase, we envisage to provide social protection to 8 million of our poorest citizens. We have made Universal Health Coverage a priority in our health sector reforms. Under the ‘EhsaasSahulat’ program we aim to provide free of cost health insurance initially to the families living below the poverty line, and subsequently to families that are in the provinces governed by PTI. Our 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project reflects our commitment to countering environmental degradation and reversing biodiversity loss. We are ready to contribute more than our share to protect this invaluable planet and help it heal from centuries of neglect. “

He said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the flagship project of BRI, complements Pakistan’s renewed efforts of this geo-economic shift with emphasis on economic integration and regional connectivity.

Moreover, in line with my government’s Green Vision, which aligns perfectly with President Xi’s vision for green China, turning CPEC into green CPEC is a priority for Pakistan.

“Our abiding friendship with China and the CPEC complement this vision of peace for ourselves and for others, and shared prosperity and common development for our region and the world. In an era of complex and profound changes at global and regional level, our ‘All Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership’ remains a strong anchor for peace, progress and prosperity. This year also marks the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. Our two nations are celebrating this historic milestone in a befitting manner. I am confident that the year 2021 would provide new vigor and vitality to our time-tested friendship. We must join hands to advance the noble cause of peace and development, welfare of our peoples, and building ‘Community of Shared Future for All Mankind.’”