Tianjin, August 31, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said that the government’s initiatives were closely aligned with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision for progress and prosperity, describing Pakistan-China ties as a historic partnership anchored in trust and shared destiny.
Addressing students and faculty at Tianjin University during his six-day official visit to China for the 25th SCO Summit, the premier urged Pakistani students to dedicate themselves to acquiring advanced knowledge and technology and to apply their expertise for Pakistan’s development.
Calling the students “ambassadors of Pakistan,” Shehbaz said their hard work would help them return as “architects of the nation’s future” and as “torchbearers of Pakistan-China friendship.” He expressed satisfaction that over 200 Pakistani students were currently enrolled at the university.
The prime minister lauded China’s achievements under President Xi, including lifting 800 million people out of poverty, which he termed “a towering feat of visionary leadership and strategic planning.” He said Pakistan must follow a similar path by rooting out corruption, focusing on hard work, and benefiting from Chinese expertise in agriculture, technology, and vocational training.
Highlighting the government’s initiatives, Shehbaz noted that 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates had been sent to China for advanced training, while around 30,000 students were currently studying in Chinese universities. With nearly 60% of Pakistan’s population under 30, he said, the country’s youth represented both a challenge and an opportunity for future growth.
Tracing the long arc of Pakistan-China relations, the prime minister recalled Pakistan being the first Muslim country to recognise the People’s Republic of China, the launch of PIA’s first Karachi-Beijing flight six decades ago, and the joint construction of the Karakoram Highway. He also noted Pakistan was the last country to host late Chinese leader Mao Zedong.
“Pakistan-China friendship has stood the test of time, overcoming enormous challenges,” Shehbaz said, adding that both nations remain united against any attempts to undermine the relationship. “Together, we will continue to pursue a shared destiny.”
