KARACHI: Federal Banking Ombudsman Sirajuddin Aziz delivered a compelling talk and presentation titled “Friends, Not Partners: The Growth and Development of Pakistan’s Relationship with China” at the Quaid-i-Azam House Museum (QAHM).
The packed event drew a diverse crowd of business leaders, academics, educators, bankers, civil society members and media representatives.
The evening began with a welcome address by QAHM Secretary General Commodore Sadeed Malik, followed by an introduction of the speaker by QAHM Board of Governors member Ameena Saiyid.
Tracing China’s transformation over the decades following the Cultural Revolution, Mr Aziz contrasted the developmental trajectories of the two nations. While noting that Pakistan predates the People’s Republic of China, he highlighted stark differences in national discipline and governance.
Illustrating China’s meticulous approach, he remarked that even at massive construction sites in China, not a single stray brick or trace of debris is ever seen outside the perimeter.
Addressing the state of bilateral ties, Mr Aziz recalled former Chinese premier Zhou Enlai’s famous words to Henry Kissinger regarding Pakistan: “A bridge once made is not used only once.”
However, he offered a candid assessment of the present day. While Beijing values historical loyalty and will not sever ties with Islamabad, Pakistan — once a top priority in the 1970s — has effectively been placed on the back burner.
Mr Aziz pointed directly to the “inadequate security provided to Chinese nationals as a major bottleneck holding back deeper Chinese investment in Pakistan”.
Drawing a comparison with Africa, he noted that despite regional turbulence, African nations have successfully attracted massive Chinese capital by ensuring robust security for Chinese workers.
The talk sparked a lively Q&A session before QAHM vice chairman Ikram Sehgal delivered the concluding remarks.
Echoing the theme of long-term vision, Mr Sehgal shared a telling observation from a Chinese counterpart: “Pakistanis plan for five to 10 years; China plans for a 100.”
He also cited Japan as an example of policy continuity, noting that despite having 47 prime ministers, its core economic policies remained steady.
Paying tribute to the guest speaker, Mr Sehgal recalled working alongside Mr Aziz during his tenure as the president of Bank Alfalah, crediting him with helping build it into one of the country’s strongest financial institutions.
He also commended Mr Aziz’s adept handling of the media and his current efforts in delivering swift justice to banking consumers as Federal Banking Ombudsman.
Prominent attendees included Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Saeeda Laghari, Mahnaz Rahman, Shahida Jamil, Ikhtiar Baig, and Majyd Aziz, among others.
Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2026
