ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed this week that China’s premier Li Qiang will visit Pakistan bilaterally on October 14, 2024, emphasizing that Pakistan’s upcoming international engagements will demonstrate its global connectivity and influence.
China, a key ally and major investor in Pakistan, has committed over $65 billion for road, infrastructure, and development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.
The CPEC is part of the Belt and Road Initiative, a large-scale China-led infrastructure project aimed at spanning the globe.
Chinese premier’s visit precedes the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Council of Heads of Government Meeting in Islamabad on October 15-16.
Founded by China and Russia in 2001, the SCO is a major Eurasian organization focused on political, economic, international security, and defense issues.
“In the next two weeks, three significant international visits will take place in Pakistan,” Dar said in an interview with a private TV channel.
“Malaysia’s prime minister, along with his delegation, will visit Pakistan on October 2, followed by China’s prime minister arriving on October 14 for a bilateral visit.”
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Since 2013, Chinese investment and financial help have been very important for Pakistan’s struggling economy. This includes extending loans to help Islamabad meet its external financing needs during times when foreign reserves are low.
Although they are long-time allies, relations between the two neighbors have faced some strain in recent years due to security challenges.
Separatist and religious militants have attacked Chinese projects in Pakistan and killed Chinese workers. China has asked Pakistan many times to make sure its citizens are safe. In reply, Islamabad has promised to provide strong security for Chinese people living and working in the country.
Recent visits by international leaders to Pakistan highlight the government’s efforts to bring in foreign investment in important areas of the economy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has often told both local and regional partners that Islamabad prefers to look for partnerships that benefit both sides instead of taking loans.
Pakistan, facing a serious crisis, sees international investments as vital to prevent a long-lasting economic problem. This crisis has weakened the country’s money, drained its resources, and lowered its foreign exchange reserves to very low levels.
