Tue, 21-Oct-2025

President Zardari lauds China’s non-interference policy

President Zardari

BEIJING: Lauding China’s growth and rise on the World stage, President Asif Ali Zardari has said that there was no need for the world to fear it.

In an interview to the Chinese state media during his five-day visit to the country, Zardari said “China doesn’t interfere in the internal matters of other countries”.

He said that the development demonstrated by the country was a positive thing for the world.

Zardari underscored that Beijing’s fast-paced development and transformation over the past few decades had impressed him to a great extent.

President Zardari expressed confidence over the peaceful progress of China and highlighted its history of non-interference and lasting good-neighborly relations with the country.

He remarked that individual excellence showcased by the Chinese people in their respective fields is resulting in the collective benefit of the nation. He also reiterated strong friendly relations between Pakistan and China.

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Zardari’s visit: Pakistan and China strengthen ‘iron-clad’ ties, sign MoUs

Zardari's visit: Pakistan and China strengthen ‘iron-clad’ ties, sign MoUs

During President Asif Ali Zardari’s five-day state visit to China, Pakistan and China reinforced their “iron-clad” friendship and strategic partnership. Zardari held discussions with President Xi Jinping and other senior Chinese officials. A joint statement released by the Foreign Office on Thursday revealed that the two countries signed several agreements, focusing on areas such as … Read more

Asif Zardari, Zhao Leji discuss bilateral ties

Asif Zardari

BEIJING: President Asif Ali Zardari and Chairman of the Standing Committee of National People’s Congress, Zhao Leji underscored the time-tested and all-weather friendship between the two countries, which continued to grow in depth and scope over the decades.

The president met with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China, Zhao Leji.

They also underlined strategic mutual trust as the cornerstone of the China-Pakistan relationship and emphasized the importance of continued high-level exchanges to further deepen the ongoing practical cooperation.

The two sides also discussed the high-quality development of CPEC 2.0, with a particular emphasis on promoting cooperation in science & technology, renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture sectors.

They described CPEC as a shining example of people-centric development, with its focus on win-win cooperation, shared benefits and common prosperity.

The two sides discussed the opportunities to strengthen institutional linkages, including through parliamentary exchanges and participation in the CPEC Political Parties Joint Consultative Mechanism, to further solidify the bilateral cooperation.

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President Zardari departs for state visit to China

President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari departed here for a five-day state visit to China from February 4-8, 2025, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He was accompanied by a delegation comprising Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Senator Saleem Mandviwala and Dr Asim Hussain. During the visit, … Read more

President Zardari to pay state visits to China from Feb 4

President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari is scheduled to undertake a state visit to China from February 4-8, 2025, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During the visit, the president will hold meetings with Chinese leadership, including President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and other senior Chinese leaders in Beijing.

The discussions will encompass the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations, with a particular focus on economic and trade cooperation; counter-terrorism and security collaboration; the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and future connectivity initiatives, according to a curtain raiser issued by the Foreign Office.

The two sides will also exchange views on the unfolding global and regional geopolitical landscape, and bilateral cooperation at multilateral fora.

At the special invitation of the Chinese government, President Zardari will also attend the inaugural ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, Heilongjiang province of China.

The visit underscores the tradition of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China, reflecting a deep commitment of the two countries to strengthen their All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

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PM instructs merit-based selection of students for agri training in China

PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection of the students to be sent to China for modern training in the agriculture sector.

The prime minister, chairing a meeting on the subject, also directed the formation of a committee to address the grievances of the students not meeting the standard during the scrutiny.

Calling China a time-tested friend of Pakistan and lauding its development in the agriculture sector, he told the participants that during his China visit, he had requested the Chinese leadership for the modern training of Pakistani students in the agriculture sector.

He said that the Government of Pakistan would bear the expenses of the students’ training and the first batch would soon leave for China. A 10% quota has been allocated for Balochistan among the students to be selected for the training, he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also thanked the Chinese leadership and the universities for allowing the Pakistani students.

In the meeting, the prime minister was told that 1287 male and female students had applied through a portal of which 711 – including those from Gilgit Baltistan and Balochistan – met the criteria.

The students would be sent to China in two batches. Scheduled to leave for China in March this year, the first batch of 300 students will receive training in improving irrigation, diagnosing and monitoring veterinary diseases, veterinary breeding and genetics, and modern seed preparation and processing.

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China unveils 2024-2035 plan to build ‘strong education nation’

China unveils 2024-2035 plan to build 'strong education nation'

China issued a 2024-2035 plan on Sunday aimed at building a “strong education nation,” state news agency Xinhua said. The plan will explore gradually expanding the scope of free education, establish a system to monitor changes in the school-age population, and optimise the layout of primary and secondary schools as well as kindergartens, Xinhua said. … Read more

Pakistani Doctor under fire for claiming that “China smells so bad” viral video

Pakistani Doctor under fire for claiming that "China smells so bad" viral video

Pakistani doctor, Fani, shared a controversial video on Instagram. Fani criticized China for its “foul smell” upon arriving. The video was criticized for being offensive and baseless. A Pakistani doctor faced backlash after sharing a controversial video with offensive remarks about China, which went viral on Instagram. The video, captioned “Why China smells so bad,” … Read more

Petrol, diesel prices likely to increase from Jan 16

Petrol

ISLAMABAD: The petrol and diesel prices are expected to increase from January 16, 2025 (Thursday) due to higher international prices.

The price of petrol has been estimated to increase by Rs 3.53 per liter and the price of diesel by Rs 3.66 per liter for the next fortnight from yesterday, Thursday (January 16, 2025).

The expected increase in POL prices is being attributed to the increase in oil prices in the international market due to United States (US) restrictions on oil exports to China and India.

Crude oil prices surged past $81 a barrel, the highest since August 2024, on fears that US shipping restrictions could affect Russian oil supplies in the wake of US sanctions.

Industry and government sources said an increase in kerosene oil by Rs 4.98 per liter and light diesel oil (LDO) by Rs 6.20 per liter has been worked out, but the final decision rests with decision makers in the finance ministry.

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SUPARCO set to launch Pakistan’s EO-1 Satellite from China

SUPARCO

ISLAMABAD: The Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has officially announced that Pakistan’s indigenous Electro-Optical (EO-1) Satellite will be launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in China on January 17. In a statement, SUPARCO highlighted the EO-1 mission as a testament to the organization’s expertise and commitment to advancing Pakistan’s technological capabilities in … Read more

258 Pakistanis deported from different countries in last 24 hours

258

KARACHI: At least 258 Pakistanis were deported from seven countries including Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and China in last 24 hours.

According to immigration sources, 232 people including seven beggars were deported from Saudi Arabia, 21 Pakistanis from UAE.

The Pakistanis were also deported from China, Qatar, Indonesia, Cyprus and Nigeria.The citizenship of one of the deportees is doubtful, while 16 passengers have also been arrested on arrival in Karachi.

Immigration sources said that 2 people who were caught on Hajj without a permit were sent back to their homeland on completion of their sentence, while 4 Pakistanis who went on Umrah were punished for overstaying.

27 Pakistanis were caught working without sponsors. 16 people were staying in Saudi Arabia after their visas expired. 112 Pakistanis were arrested and sent to Pakistan on the complaint of sponsors.

Out of 21 Pakistanis deported from UAE, 4 were involved in drug trafficking. One each Pakistani was also deported from China, Qatar, Indonesia, Cyprus and Nigeria.

The names of 16 deportees from UAE and Nigeria are included in the stop list.

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China records its warmest year ever in 2024 since 1961

China records its warmest year ever in 2024 since 1961

China has officially reported its hottest year since 1961, when reliable temperature monitoring began. The average national temperature in 2024 reached 10.92°C (51.66°F), marking an increase of 1.03°C compared to 2023 and solidifying 2024 as the warmest year on record. According to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA), the four warmest years in China’s history have … Read more

China unveils CR450, World’s Fastest Train achieving 450 km/h

China

China has officially introduced the CR450, claiming the title of the fastest train globally. The high-speed train, revealed on December 29, 2024, in Beijing, achieved a record test speed of 450 km/h, surpassing its predecessor, the CR400. Although its operational speed is expected to be 400 km/h, the CR450 signifies a breakthrough in rail technology, … Read more

Ahsan reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with China  

Ahsan

BEIJING: Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal has affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening development cooperation with China in various fields under the framework of BRI and GDI l, with a shared goal of building a closer Pakistan-China community with a shared future in a new era.

The minister made these remarks in a meeting with Luo Zhaohui, Director of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), who met him in Kunming, China.

Ahsan Iqbal was in China to attend the 3rd China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Blue Economy Cooperation.

Luo Zhaohui expressed gratitude to Pakistan for consistently sending high-level delegations to China for three consecutive years to attend the forum.

He emphasized the close contact between the two countries’ leaderships and the significant consensus reached.

Luo Zhaohui stated that CIDCA is committed to working with Pakistan to implement these important agreements, actively promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), implement the Global Development Initiative (GDI), and deepen China-Pakistan development cooperation, thereby benefiting both nations and their people.

Minister Iqbal thanked China for providing a platform for regional countries to exchange experiences and collaborate, and he commended China’s leadership in advancing the development of the blue economy.

Following the meeting, Director Luo Zhaohui and Minister Ahsan Iqbal signed cooperation documents, including those related to the implementation of Pakistan’s Climate Information and Early Warning System Project.

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Pakistan partners with China for 3,000 electric vehicle charging stations

Pakistan

Pakistan’s Government Partners with Chinese Company for EV Charging Stations. The aim is to accelerate the transition to electric transportation and reduce fuel imports. Strategically located stations will be along the motorway from Peshawar to Karachi. The government of Pakistan has partnered with a prominent Chinese company to invest $350 million in establishing up to … Read more

Maryam Nawaz says China has always stood by Pakistan

CM Maryam Nawaz introduces zero-interest loans in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Saturday that China stood by Pakistan at every juncture in history. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reached the Chinese city of Guangzhou during her visit to China. Madam Chief Minister met with Guangzhou Vice Governor Mr. Zheng Guozhi. A special state dinner was organized in Guangzhou in honor … Read more

Pak-China Joint Exercise Warrior-VIII concludes

Pak-China

RAWALPINDI: Three weeks’ long Pak-China Joint Exercise Warrior-VIII between Pakistan Army and Peoples Liberation Army of China concluded on Wednesday.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pak-China Joint Exercise Warrior-VIII between Pakistan Army and Peoples Liberation Army of China was conducted from 19 November to 11 December 2024.

Three weeks’ long Exercise in Counter Terrorism domain is 8th in the series of bilateral exercises being held annually. Distinguished Visitor’s Day (DVD) Ceremony of the Exercise was conducted at Tilla Field Firing Range on 10 December 2024.

Commander Rawalpindi Corps, Lieutenant General Shahid Imtiaz, HI (M) graced the ceremony as Chief Guest while, Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan along with dignitaries from China were also present.

Dignitaries appreciated high standards of professionalism displayed by troops during the Exercise.

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China calls for political solution to restore stability in Syria

China

BEIJING:A Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson on Monday called on relevant parties to act in the fundamental interests of the Syrian people and find a political solution to restore stability in Syria as soon as possible.

In response to a question during a daily briefing that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s ruling has ended and a new government is about to be established, how China views the current situation in Syria and whether it will establish contact with the new government, Mao Ning said that China is closely following developments in Syria and hopes that all relevant parties will act in the best interests of the Syrian people and quickly find a political solution to restore stability in Syria as soon as possible.

Responding to a question on how China views the future of Syria, Mao said that the future and destiny of Syria should be determined by the Syrian people themselves.

“We hope that all relevant parties, with a sense of responsibility for the long-term and fundamental interests of the Syrian people, can quickly find a political solution to restore stability and order”, said Mao.

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Apple Delays AI Features for iPhones in China Over Technical and Privacy Issues

Apple

Apple’s plans to introduce its Apple Intelligence AI features to iPhones in China have hit significant obstacles, delaying the rollout in the region. According to reports, the company has struggled to optimize Baidu’s advanced large language model (LLM), Ernie 4.0, for seamless integration with iPhones. Challenges include difficulty in understanding user prompts and providing accurate … Read more

China to Upgrade 5G Network to 5G-A

China

China has revealed draft guidelines aimed at upgrading its data infrastructure, including plans to enhance its 5G network to the 5G-A standard and promote research, development, and innovation in 6G technologies. The guidelines, released by the National Data Bureau, outline strategies for balancing the deployment of international communication gateways across China’s eastern, central, and western … Read more

Pakistan and China Join Forces for Chang’e-8 Lunar Mission

Pakistan

The Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) has announced a historic partnership with China for the upcoming Chang’e-8 lunar mission, set to launch in 2028. This collaboration marks Pakistan’s first foray into lunar exploration, showcasing the nation’s growing aspirations in space research. A SUPARCO representative shared that Pakistan will contribute a 35-kilogram lunar … Read more

35 killed as driver targets crowd in rage over divorce settlement in China

35 killed as driver targets crowd in rage over divorce settlement in China

At least 35 people were killed and many more injured when a man allegedly drove his car into a crowd outside a sports center in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, China. The attack occurred on Monday night, targeting individuals exercising near the facility, according to the Daily Mail. Police apprehended the 62-year-old suspect, identified as Fan, who … Read more

Pakistan government gives charge of Karachi Industrial park to China to revitalize SEZs

Pakistan government gives charge of Karachi Industrial park to China to revitalize SEZs

The government is developing a strategy to revitalize the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by planning to hand over Karachi Industrial Park (KIP) to China, as reported by The News on Sunday. A senior government official informed the publication that KIP, one of the nine SEZs developed across Pakistan under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework, … Read more

Pakistan Sees $3.3 Million Boost in Meat Exports to China Over Nine Months

Pakistan

Pakistan’s meat exports to China reached $3.37 million between January and September 2024. Trade and Investment Counsellor explains China’s growing interest in high-quality meat from Pakistan. GACC approved Pakistani companies to export boiled meat to China last year. Pakistan’s meat exports to China reached $3.37 million between January and September 2024, according to data from … Read more

Pakistan, China resolve to deepen strategic cooperation

Pakistan

ISLAMABAD:  Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang met with President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari where important issues between the two countries were discussed.

Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang, who is on a visit to Pakistan, met the President Zardari at Aiwan-e-Sadr, where both leaders stressed the need to speed up the implementation of Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Welcoming the delegation, the president emphasized that Pakistan’s friendship with its all-weather partner remained a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy.

He stressed the importance of exploring new avenues for cooperation as there was more space to expand bilateral relations. He also underscored the need to enhance connectivity through all-weather road networks to strengthen trade and people-to-people linkages.

He said that Chinese companies should benefit from the investment opportunities in Pakistan by investing in the Pakistan Stock Exchange.

The president stated that the time was ripe to fully leverage China’s economic growth, particularly through the opportunities presented by CPEC and the Gwadar Port.

He shared that he would be visiting China in November and looked forward to reconnecting with old friends and engaging in discussions to further strengthen bilateral ties.

President Zardari expressed his heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of two Chinese nationals in a terrorist attack, stating that the heart-breaking incident deeply grieved the entire nation.

President Asif Ali Zardari appreciated China’s support to Pakistan on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He reiterated Pakistan’s support to China on all its core issues, including the “One China” policy, Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea.

Speaking on the occasion, Premier Li Qiang reaffirmed that Pakistan and China were good brothers, neighbours, partners, and friends. He emphasised that Pak-China strategic cooperation would continue to deepen under the leadership of President Xi Jinping.

He acknowledged the contributions of President Asif Ali Zardari in promoting stronger Pakistan-China relations. Premier Li highlighted that both nations had consistently supported each other, regardless of global challenges, and expressed confidence that they would continue to cooperate to take their partnership to new heights.

The premier emphasized the need to accelerate the progress of development projects under CPEC. He highlighted that China would continue to support Chinese companies to invest in Pakistan.

The Chinese Premier appreciated Pakistan for its firm support to China on all its core issues, including the “One China” policy, Taiwan, Tibet, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and the South China Sea.

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Li Qiang visit Pakistan to expand bilateral cooperation: China

Li Qiang

BEIJING: Chinese Premier Li Qiang official visit to Pakistan would enhance traditional friendship, strengthen strategic communication, expand bilateral cooperation across the board and building of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in a high quality way, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Through this visit, China looks to working with Pakistan to enhance the traditional friendship, strengthen strategic communication, build China Pakistan Economic Corridor in a high quality way, deepen and expand cooperation across the board, and accelerate the building of a closer China Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era and jointly work for regional peace, development and prosperity, Mao Ning said during her regular briefing held here.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Chinese Premier Li Qiang is visiting Pakistan from October 14 to 17.

The spokesperson said that China and Pakistan are ironclad friends and all weather strategic cooperative partners and added, Our relations have stood the test of time and remained rock solid.

She pointed out that this June Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif paid an official visit to China. The two sides actively delivered on the important common understandings reached by the leaders of the two countries and the bilateral relations have maintained sound momentum of development.

She said that this is primarily Li Qiang first visit to Pakistan after he took office and marks exchange of visits at the head of government level between the two countries within a year, which is of significance to deepening all weather strategic cooperative partnership.

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China condemns death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrike

China condemns death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrike

China has voiced serious concern following reports of an Israeli airstrike on Beirut that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27. In a speech issued by the Foreign Ministry, China voiced deep concern over the rising tensions in the area and called for restraint from all parties involved, mainly Israel. The Chinese government condemned … Read more

Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia concerned over terror activities from Afghanistan

Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia concerned over terror activities from Afghanistan

NEW YORK: A ministerial meeting of the Quadrilateral Group—comprising Pakistan, China, Iran, and Russia—voiced serious concerns about security challenges emerging from Afghanistan, highlighting that terrorist groups operating there pose a significant threat to both regional and global stability. Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has seen a rise in militant attacks, … Read more