Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, during his recent visit to China’s Xinjiang province, emphasized Pakistan’s intention to leverage Xinjiang’s strategic location as a crucial element of the economic corridor between the two countries.
He indicated that Pakistan would collaborate closely with China to identify the unique strengths and potential synergies between Gilgit Baltistan (GB) and Xinjiang.
Addressing students and faculty at Xinjiang University, PM Kakar stressed that these neighboring regions possess the potential to work together to enhance the well-being of their people.
PM Kakar’s trip began with his participation in the Third Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, where he engaged with Chinese leadership and foreign dignitaries.
In line with the consensus reached during his Beijing visit, PM Kakar announced plans to convert the land border at Sost, Khunjerab, into an all-weather border. This upgrade aims to enhance customs and logistics services, facilitating trade and the movement of people.
PM Kakar emphasized the significance of Gwadar in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and proposed deeper economic cooperation by making the most of the sister-city relationship with China’s Kashgar and Karamay. Additionally, he expressed interest in learning from Xinjiang’s success in agricultural modernization and suggested establishing a joint agricultural demonstration zone in Pakistan to introduce modern farming techniques.
The Prime Minister highlighted the potential for collaboration between Xinjiang and Pakistan, particularly Gilgit-Baltistan, in the field of solar energy and encouraged cooperation in various sectors such as culture, agriculture, tourism, education, and joint research. He also expressed the desire to send more Pakistani students to study in China.
PM Kakar extended an invitation to tourists from Xinjiang and other parts of China to visit Pakistan, mentioning a recent visit by a 15-member group of Chinese tour operators who entered and exited through the Sost Khunjerab border.
He underlined Xinjiang’s rich cultural diversity and hospitality and emphasized the special place the region holds in the hearts of Pakistanis due to their neighborly ties. He described Xinjiang as not just a trade route but a vital bridge connecting the two nations.
PM Kakar stressed that the Pakistan-China relationship is built on mutual trust, shared aspirations, and the warmth passed down through generations. Pakistan regards its ties with China as a longstanding strategic partnership.
Discussing the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), PM Kakar mentioned its positive impact on Pakistan’s infrastructure and the quality of life for its citizens. He viewed his visit to China as an opportunity to map out a new vision focusing on economic cooperation, people-to-people bonds, sustainable development, peace, stability, and academic and technical exchanges.
The Prime Minister also expressed Pakistan’s firm support for China’s core positions, including on matters related to Xinjiang. He addressed the situation in the Middle East, calling for efforts to halt acts of brutality against the people of Palestine.
