Islamabad, September 20,2026: Chief Executive Officer South Air Ms. Nishat Fatima has said that air connectivity can play an important role in supporting CPEC Phase-II by connecting people, businesses, investors and tourism destinations across Pakistan.
Addressing a Diplomatic Focus seminar and dinner reception marking 75 years of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations, she said CPEC Phase-II offers opportunities for deeper cooperation in investment, trade, technology, tourism and human development.
Nishat Fatima said South Air aims to connect underserved cities and communities across Pakistan, making air travel more accessible, reliable and affordable.
She emphasized that an integrated transportation network comprising road, rail, maritime and aviation connectivity was essential for unlocking Pakistan’s economic potential.
The South Air CEO said improved aviation links could also facilitate greater interaction between Pakistan and China through increased tourism, business travel, investment and educational exchanges.
She congratulated Pakistan and China on 75 years of diplomatic friendship and expressed hope that the next 75 years would bring greater connectivity, prosperity and opportunities for the peoples of both countries.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Executive Officer Falcon Oils (Pvt.) Limited Sirhaan Ahmed Khan said his company is pursuing a proposed $3.5 billion refinery and storage complex at Dhabeji, Sindh, as a Business-to-Business initiative under the CPEC framework.
he said the project would include a 100,000-barrels-per-day refinery and around 4 million metric tons of storage capacity.
Sirhaan Ahmed Khan said Falcon Oils was seeking cooperation with China Energy Engineering Corporation (Energy China) and other Chinese engineering, technology and investment institutions for the project.
He said CPEC Phase-II provides an opportunity to expand Pakistan-China cooperation in energy, investment, technology and industrial development, adding that the Falcon Oils initiative could contribute to energy security, job creation and economic growth.
He also appreciated the Chinese government, Embassy and business partners for supporting Pakistan-China economic cooperation and acknowledged Diplomatic Focus Editor-in-Chief Mian Fazal Elahi for providing a platform to promote bilateral business and diplomatic ties.
In his welcome address CEO and Editor-in-Chief Diplomatic Focus Mian Fazal Elahi has said media can play an important role in strengthening relations between Pakistan and China by promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and people-to-people contacts.
he said the partnership between the two countries had expanded into defence, trade, investment, education, culture and economic cooperation.
Mian Fazal Elahi said Diplomatic Focus had for years highlighted Pakistan-China relations, CPEC and the Belt and Road Initiative while providing a platform for diplomats, government officials, business leaders, academics and civil society representatives.
He said CPEC Phase-II offered new opportunities in energy, investment, industry, agriculture, technology, education, tourism and trade, stressing that the private sector, academia, youth and media should contribute to the next phase of bilateral cooperation.
He expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy, diplomatic missions, speakers, partners and guests for participating in the event and hoped the seminar would contribute to constructive dialogue on the future of Pakistan-China relations
