ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will offer free visas to Chinese citizens starting August 14, 2024 demonstrating Islamabad’s commitment to Beijing, announced Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The premier’s statement was made during his meeting with a 12-member high-level Chinese delegation led by Minister Wang Fukang, who visited him.
Speaking to the delegation, the prime minister stated that during his recent visit to China, he asked President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang to send experts to Pakistan.
“The goal is to model Pakistan’s economy after China’s. Today, these experts are here, and we are confident that progress will come soon.”
Welcoming the delegation by emphasizing that China and Pakistan are eternal friends with a friendship that knows no bounds, he stressed that industrial cooperation is crucial at this time and expressed hope that it could be shifted to Pakistan.
The premier stated that he believes joint ventures and cooperation would create a win-win situation.
He remarked that the delegation’s visit was highly reassuring and expressed hope that it would be both beneficial and productive for Pakistan.
Shehbaz, who has assumed power for the second time, anticipated that it would enhance bilateral arrangements in areas such as industry, agriculture, and economic zones, and help increase Pakistan’s capacity to produce agricultural products in high demand in China.
The PM added that Pakistan could fulfill Chinese requirements by exporting high-quality goods and exploring opportunities in mining and minerals, IT, and export zones.
“The Sino-Pak relations are higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans,” the premier stated.
Pakistan sees its relationship with China as essential for its national interests. Even though some Western countries are urging a rethink of this alliance, Islamabad is determined to keep strong ties with Beijing.
China has demonstrated itself to be a reliable ally for Pakistan at critical moments. Last year, Beijing’s prompt extension of loans helped Pakistan avoid a potential default.
Moreover, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China has continually supported Pakistan’s fundamental interests in international forums.
