KARACHI: The Chinese consul general Yang Yundong has said both China and Pakistan are focused on the completion of the Karakoram Highway (KKH) and the Main Line-1 (ML-1) project, Dawn.com reported.
The Chinese envoy expressed this commitment at a time when the government and the ministry of railways are expecting a long-awaited visit of the high-powered technical team from China within weeks.
Just a day ago, federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi told the media in Lahore that the government might fund the ML-1 project from own resources in case international funding was unavailable.
In September last year, China agreed to assist Pakistan in completing four major projects namely ML-1, M-6 and M-9 projects along with the second phase of Karakoram Highway (KKH) and the construction of Kaghan-Naran, Jhal Khand, Babusar Top and Tunnel till KKH.
Yang Yundong says bilateral ties at crucial point, asks both sides to seize opportunity to boost cooperation in various fields
Speaking at a press briefing for ‘Two Sessions for 2025’ at the Chinese consulate general on Friday, Yang said, “Both sides are working very hard to complete these projects.”
The new international airport in Gwadar, which was completed only last year, would also contribute in opening more opportunities, he said, adding that both countries were encouraging more ships to use the Gwadar Port for trade.
The ‘Two Sessions’ marked an annual event pivotal to China’s economic and social development. Yang revealed that China achieved the major targets for the year’s economic and social development in 2024.
“Chinese modernisation has made significant new achievements, with high-quality development advancing steadily and new productive forces developing robustly,” he said, adding that China anticipated GDP growth of around 5 per cent.
“At the same time, China will continue to expand high-standard opening up to the outside world and promote the deep and substantive advancement of the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative,” he added.
He said major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics had opened new horizons, and international cooperation achieved fresh progress for China.
“This year’s government work report emphasised that China will adhere to an independent and peaceful foreign policy, remain committed to the path of peaceful development, and steadfastly pursue an open strategy of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation,” he continued.
The Chinese official said that 2025 marked the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan, adding that the two countries would celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.
“China-Pakistan relations are at an important juncture and development opportunity,” he said, adding that both countries and their peoples should seize this opportunity to further enhance communication and coordination, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, and upgrade the CPEC.
Published in Dawn, March 16th, 2025
