LAHORE: Chinese Consul General in Lahore Sun Yan lauded Pakistan’s recent diplomatic efforts in facilitating a ceasefire and mediating peace in the Middle East.

He was addressing at a seminar on the strategic evolution of the bilateral partnership organised by the Government College University (GCU) on Tuesday to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.

Sun Yan characterised the bond as an “all-weather” alliance, and provided a progress report on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), noting that the flagship project generated 2.5 million jobs, and completed 600 kilometres of road infrastructure.

He also cited the addition of 8,000 MW of electricity and 900 kilometers of transmission lines to the national grid.

Recalling historical solidarity, the consul general stated that the Chinese people remain grateful for Pakistan’s 2008 gesture of donating its entire national strategic reserve of 22,260 tents during the Sichuan earthquake.

In a significant academic development, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Omer Chaudhry announced that GCU will launch two new research projects on Pakistan-China relations, funded entirely through the university’s internal resources.

He emphasised that the collaboration now encompasses critical sectors including defence, agriculture, and high-level education, building on civilisational links dating back 2,000 years.

To further support academic exchange, the consul general announced the continuation of the Chinese Consul General Scholarship Programme at GCU for the current year.

The seminar, which coincided with the death anniversary of Allama Iqbal, also featured discussions by Dr Ahmad Raza Khan on the strategic significance of the Jiwani region within a shifting global order.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2026