Email
Print |
The first visit by a Chinese president to Pakistan after nine years is being dubbed as fate-changing. —AFP |
 |
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping inaugurate projects through video link at PM Office. —APP |
ISLAMABAD: A historic ceremony was organised at the Prime Minister's Office on Monday, where Pakistan and China signed 51 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) relating to diverse aspects of bilateral relations, including the Pakistan China Economic Corridor.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chinese President Xi Jinping and high-level officials from both sides. A few agreements were signed by dignitaries from both countries in front of media personnel, after which Nawaz Sharif and Xi Jinping shared their views on the historic gathering and bilateral relations.
Read the complete list of MoUs signed between Pakistan and China here.
In his speech, Nawaz Sharif welcomed the Chinese leader and referred to China as an all-weather friend. “There have been critical changes in China and Pakistan, and major regional and international development, but our ties have remained robust. Four generations of our leaders and people have sustained them with passion and wisdom.”
 |
|
President Xi and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif overlook the signing of agreements between the two countries.─AFP
|
Talking about the Pakistan China Economic corridor, Nawaz said:
“This corridor will benefit all provinces and areas in Pakistan, and transform our country into a regional hub and pivot for commerce and investment. It will also enable China to create a shorter and cheaper route for trade and investment in south, central and west Asia, and the Middle East and Africa. This corridor will become a symbol for peace and prosperity.”
He said President Xi Jinping's visit to Pakistan was a watershed in the history of Pakistan-China relations.
"Together with President Xi we have taken momentous decisions that will raise Pakistan-China relations to new heights and have deep impacts for our common economic future, and peace and stability in the region.”
He said the two sides had also discussed regional and international developments, and agreed to make coordinated efforts for peace and security in the region.
President Xi Jinping in his address said China is prepared and willing to help strengthen Pakistan's capacity to fight terrorism.
The building of the Pakistan China Economic Corridor has an important bearing on national strategies and livelihoods of the two countries, he said.
The two sides believe that the layout and construction of the corridor should take into account the interest of various regions of Pakistan so that the building of the corridor will benefit people, said Xi.
“Of all the cooperation documents that Prime Minister Sharif and I signed, or witnessed the signing of, more than 30 of them concern the corridor,” he added.
“They include the facilities of the Gwadar port, the second phase of the upgrading project for the Karakoram highway, the motorway project between Karachi and Lahore, the rail transportation Orange line project of Lahore and other major transportation infrastructure projects and a series of energy projects,” Xi said.
"These projects span across the provinces and areas of Pakistan and the two sides have also made it clear that they will include the central and western lines of the corridor in the long and midterm plans, and I believe this will help the comprehensive balance and steady growth of the corridor building," said the Chinese president.
The Chinese side continues to support Pakistan's economic and social development, he added.
He said the two sides agreed to strengthen communication and coordination on Afghanistan in order to jointly push ahead the Afghan reconciliation process and play a constructive role to achieve peace and stability in the country and region.
Xi read an old saying in Chinese that said, "When brothers are united in their purpose, they become strong enough to pierce through metals."
He also reciprocated PM Nawaz Sharif's sentiments on Pakistan and China having strong historic ties, and said China is willing to work in close cooperation with Pakistan to benefit masses of the two countries.
Cooperation in civil nuclear energy agreed
Pakistan and China have agreed to continue bilateral cooperation in civil nuclear energy under IAEA safeguards, in line with their respective bilateral and multilateral commitments.
"China appreciates and supports steps taken by Pakistan towards its mainstreaming into the global non-proliferation regime," a joint communiqué issued from foreign office said.
The communiqué said China welcomes Pakistan’s engagement with the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and is ready to strengthen communication and coordination with Pakistan.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateral non-discriminatory arms control and non-proliferation endeavours.
On security and counter terrorism the two sides believed that the security interests of Pakistan and China are closely interconnected, said the communiqué.
China commended Pakistan’s major contribution to the international counter-terrorism efforts, and said it will continue to support Pakistan in implementing its counter-terrorism strategy in accordance with its national conditions.
Delegation-level talks
Following Chinese President Xi Jinping's maiden visit to Pakistan, both sides held delegation-level talks at the PM House, where President Xi admired PM Nawaz’s efforts, saying the far-reaching reforms he initiated were crucial for Pakistan.
The Chinese president also said PM Nawaz is highly experienced and that his struggle against terrorism is extremely admirable.
Pakistani and Chinese delegations held formal talks at the PM Office, in which all aspects of bilateral relations between the two countries were reviewed.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif led the Pakistani side in the talks, while the Chinese side was led by President Xi Jinping.
PM Nawaz, during his opening remarks, formally welcomed Xi Jinping on his first ever visit to Pakistan and hoped that the visit would further consolidate the already strong ties between the two countries.
Official sources told DawnNews that during the meeting, in addition to bilateral ties, both leaders also reviewed regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the regional security situation with respect to Afghanistan and the Middle East.
Senior cabinet members and officials from both sides assisted their leadership in the talks.
Earlier, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had said that the two-day visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping will usher in a new era of development in Pakistan.
Talking to the top executives of three leading Chinese companies, China Huaneng Group, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) and Zonergy Corporation at the prime minister house, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the government would extend all possible facilitation to the Chinese companies to ensure timely completion of the planned projects.
The premier appreciated the role of the companies for undertaking various projects in Pakistan including ones that are part of the Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (PCEC) Project.
He said that Pakistan is facing acute shortage of energy and the government has made a commitment to the people of Pakistan to meet this shortage during its tenure, hence a lot of emphasis is being laid on timely completion of these projects, particularly those in the energy sector.
Nawaz was pleased to note that ICBC, the largest bank in the world, will look into the possibility of setting up economic zones in Pakistan.
Leaders of the Chinese delegation said the strong Pakistan-China friendship provides an excellent platform for boosting business relations between the two countries and said they are pleased to be part of building the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
 |
|
Military heads met President Xi Jinping and discussed with him matters related to defence and security. -Photo ISPR
|
Military heads call on Chinese president
Heads of armed forces including the chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC) met President Xi Jinping and discussed with him matters related to defence and security.
CJCSC General Rashad Mahmood, army chief General Raheel Sharif, Naval chief Admiral Mohammad Zakaullah and Air Chief Marshal Sohail Amaan during the meeting thanked the Chinese president for ongoing Chinese cooperation with the armed forces of Pakistan.
Political leaders meet Xi Jinping
Prominent political leaders including Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan Peoples Party, Liqat Baloch of Jamaat-i-Islami, Chaudhary Shujjat Hussain of PML-Q, Farooq Sattar of Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Imran Khan of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Aftab Sherpao of Qaumi Watan Party, Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch met visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping in Islamabad.
They welcomed Chinese president on his first ever visit to Pakistan and discussed with him issues related to bilateral relations and cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese parliamentarians.
Chinese president arrives in Islamabad on historic visit
 |
|
Chinese President Mr Xi Jinping and the First Lady Peng Liyuan wave upon their arrival in the capital amid a grand welcome. —AFP
|
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Islamabad on his maiden visit to Pakistan on Monday. The much anticipated visit is the first by a Chinese president to Pakistan after nine years.
 |
|
Billboard with pictures of Chinese President Xi Jinping are on display in Islamabad. —AP
|
The Chinese president was received at the Noor Khan airbase by President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif and members of the prime minister's cabinet.
Eight PAF JF -17 Thunders escorted Chinese president's aircraft as it entered the Pakistani Airspace.
Accompanying the Chinese president is a high-level delegation comprising businessmen, high-level functionaries of the Communist Party of China and senior government officials.
A 21-gun salute and guard of honour was presented to welcome the Chinese president.
Children clad in colourful traditional clothes waved Pakistani and Chinese flags and sang anthems of Pakistan-China friendship as the Chinese President and the first lady passed by, Radio Pakistan reported.
The Chinese President shook hands with the children who also showered rose petals on the visiting guest. Traditional folk dance was also presented on the occasion.
 |
|
President Xi Jinping waves at children greeting him upon arrival at Nur Khan air base. —AFP
|
 |
|
Chinese president was received by President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khwaja Asif and other members of cabinet. —DawnNews screengrab
|
 |
|
COAS Gen Raheel Sharif welcomes Mr Jinping. —AFP
|
 |
|
Guard of honour being presented to the Chinese president. —AFP
|
Banners reading "Pakistan-China Friendship Zindabad", portraits of the Chinese and Pakistani presidents and flags of the two countries waving across Constitution Avenue welcomed Mr Jinping to the capital.
Mr Jinping's visit is being dubbed as a ‘fate-changing visit’ as he is expected to roll out nearly $28 billion for the first phase of the $45bn flagship Pakistan-China Economic Corridor (PCEC) Project.
 |
Stringent security measures have been taken in the capital while security personnel have been deployed on all the important city roads in wake of the Chinese president's visit.
Comments (246)
Pakistan should be careful of China. Do not bet the farm on China.
Big brother has come. We all welcome to our all weather friend China. This investment from China will boost Pakistani economy.
Welcome to your second home!
Chinese President received by Pakistani president, prime minister, defense minister, and cabinet ministers .... Where is rest of Pakistan parliament members, they should also be their...
It's brilliant weather in Islamabad as there was rain whole night and a brilliant all weather friend is coming to put more colors in it.
How come the visit became historic before any concrete achievement?
It will really open new corridors of economical success because China is not helping us is shape of aid but in shape of investment in our country which is key to success. Moreover friendship with China is already proved for the long time.
Welcome welcome :)
Welcome Chinese president in Pakistan.
Heartiest welcome to our distinguished guest. Long live PAK-CHINA friendship.
At last....here he comes....
welcome.
Really hope so this will be a fate-changing visit of Chinese President to Pakistan.
The good thing is, they are not paying anything in cash but they are going to develop some projects. Our poor powerful leaders and officers won't get commissions.
lol..thank God they didnt call the army from the borders in honor of the President. everyone else is there!!
It's sad to see that due to security threats foreign dignatories can only arrive at Air Force bases. I remember the times in 60's, 70's, 80's and early 90's when dignatories used to go in convertable cars through streets of KHI, ISB PINDI after arrival at airports. Can the PM then explain as why he claims that KHI is safe and without any terror threats???
Pak Chin Dosti Zindabaad !!!
We welcome our guest with squinted eyes and point out all the similarities between the iron brothers.
china needs to save its economy from falling to recession and Pakistan is a prospective market. At the end China will be the winner of the game!
Welcome Mr. President
Must be showing by PTV , :-/
welcome to pakistan
Welcome President.China true friend of Pakistan.A friend in need a friend in deed.
Ask honorable President for Religious freedom for Muslim.No objection for beard,fasting in the Muslim province.Can oppress the Muslim rebels except kashmiri muslims
A country of 200 million has to depend on an outsider to change its fate! If this one man can change its fate , should he not be their leader?
Our true friend is here. Let the enemies hate all they want.
This is history in making. We look forward to the joint strategic initiatives for Pakistan's energy and infrastructure uplift.
Welcome to Pakistan
I am confused. If China is Pakistan's all weather friend, why do they invest 97% more in India than in Pakistan?
Welcome Mr. Presdient
Congratulations to Pakistan from India. Hope u grab the economic opportunity with both hands. I hope Pakistan's new obsession will be its economy and not other things which do not have a solution like changing the borders of neighboring countries.
Finally. He must have been astounded by the warmth that he received at his brother's home. Hopefully, he will not be put off by the bill, The Brother passes to him.
I am honestly Enjoying Indians Comments I can feel their Frustration :D
@Hope Ha! Ha! What a joke of the day. Ask the Muslims living in china about your view
100 billion India-China trade compared to 10 billion Pak-China trade....Sochlo...!!!!
China plans for next 100 years. President Jinping is an economist, philosopher and a visionary. Chinese philosophy, medicine, mysticism was legendary and now technology. The best thing is that China is one Nation...about time we also turns into one Nation...and work as much as they do. BTW China has about 4000 billion USD as foreign exchange, worlds largest, no other Nation is even close.
Heartiest Welcome president Xi Jinping.
Today is frustration day for our one neighbor as other neighbor is making history with its all weather friend.
Heartiest welcome to our distinguished guest. Long live PAK-CHINA friendship.
Jobs are already scarce in Pakistan. If the visit of the Chinese president is followed by even greater influx of Chinese imports in the market, unemployment will go up. Suffering of people will increase.
I sincerely wish China's investment does great for Pakistan. I also hope that a branch of the proposed fuel pipeline also goes through India to the Southern China. And India can consume from it too.
That way, India would not be able to block fuel to China because Pakistan would block the supply to India. And Pakistan would have to ensure supply to India because China would not be happy if it gets cut-off. Tying the nations with this complex Business alliances are the only way to guarantee that there are no more wars and there is prosperity for all. If Europe and Russia could be interlinked together with gas pipeline diplomacy, India-Pak-China have intelligent leaders too. Or is it just one fool's dream.
Lets see how much aid china would offer to Pakistan
Welcome Sir, such an honour to have you in our country.
PAKISTAN AND CHINA friends for ever. We in Pakistan love China, our true friend
@Moosa Your comments made me laugh continuously for 15 minutes :p Bravo Bro ;)
While I welcome all this Sino pak economic corridor thingy, I hope this does not in anyway benifit the ruling family of Pakistan and only proves to be beneficial to ppl of pk particularly balochistan
Congratulations at last you have got it
Friends show their love in times of trouble, not in happiness. (China our most trusted friend)
China and Pakistan friendship higher than Himalayas and deeper than any ocean.
Welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Nawaz Sarif is looking very uncomfortable in suit in this heat.
Welcome China and Goodbye Dharna
@Tranquil But where are comments by Indians. All I see a see of welcome messages. Good luck.
Let's see NS speak to the Chinaman about Uzghir province....
Long Live Sino-Pak friendship ! !!! Welcome Mr President !!!!!
@Ravi jha Why?
In cartoons when cat look on a live chicken or other eatable animal in his imagination a grilled chicken pops up , similarly our leaders are looking at their chinese counterpart. When they look at him they see dollars. Continuously our media is screaming about 47 billion dollars nothing else. We do have strategic relationship too with China in addition to 47 billion dollars they should emphasise on them also.
Welcome China and Goobbye Dharna
@Rao jealous
Grow up guys only you have the ability to change your fate no body else can do that job.
i feel burning smell from our eastern neighbor.
@ashraf China will be the winner in any case, but their strategy came with prosparity to pakistan as well.....
Welcome
@Manjeet kocchar oh really.
@Ravi jha grapes seem very bitter.. :)
@Awais Ali There is some useful business going on in your country. Even at this time, it's nice that you remember your neighbour for whatever reason.
china has been there for Pak in times of need and they are our distinguished guests therefore welcoming them whole heartedly is necessary .
Hope it will be great and fruitful visits, Considering the power crisis some rigid and stable decision shall be made. That will be much needed for Pakistan at this time. Hope bold decision shall be made related with economy
Wishing Pakistan All the Best in hosting the premiere. Here's hoping for some stability in the region. A prosperous Pakistan is great news for India. God Bless!
welcome to Pakistan ....
Welcome to Pakistan
Why the army man was walking ahead of President XI Jinping ? They must walk behind him. I have never seen anywhere in the world.
Was it intentional perhaps for security reasons or this is how you don;t care of visitor's dignity and respect?
Oh yeah, he is in Pakistan. Finally Pakistan is successful to bring in some money to support her economy. Historic success for Nawaz Shariff and Chinese companies to Push more Chinese goods in Pakistan Market. A matter of pride for every Pakistani.
President Xi Jinping seems secure, rational, wise and humble man from his body language. The Chinese First Lady Peng Liyuan looks graceful and elegant. Our leaders should learn the mannerism from him and let go of arrogance and false pride.
@Manjeet kocchar Than why Indians were dancing during the visit of Obama
We welcome our Chinese guests to Pakistan. An opportune time for all Pakistanis to strive to achieve greater prosperity and emergence as a regional economic and military power. Long Live Pakistan!
welcoming him warmly is not a bad thing, I remember dancing Indians during Obama's visit.
@Hope lol
AN OFFER: Please adopt our beloved Pak Land until we are able to handle this noble gift of God !
Things looking very rosy for Pak with China, Russia, Afghan, Iran hand in hand, Pak is on way to become leader of muslim world.
@Mullah Deewana - Why jealousy?
Pakistan must raise the issue of human rights violations of Uighur Muslims in China..Pakistan must not turn its back to Islam and Muslim dignity for some highway or think tank and show the Chinese how strong and upright a spine it has.
Its good that China will invest in Pakistan and hopefully a common man will see benefits in their lives. But the point is China is the winner in the end. Why can't Pakistan make roads and infrastructure on its own. The aim should be - Self sufficient and not asking for help.
Pakistan- China friendship is a model for all countries to follow. It has stood the test of time.
@Ravi jha look at your country first, then raise fingers at others.
Pak-China friendship Zindabad!!!
I wish the best to both countries. I hope that the projects are financed very very carefully by Chinese so that all the money is actually used in the right place.
@Ravi jha Very true
@Gerry dcunha - We have already heard about "your views" in your 'democracy' about treatment of your minorities. Read Latha Jishnu under 'Opinion'. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
@Palijo have some brain, it will grow business and will provide more employment opportunities. Chinese workers are not coming only chinese money is coming.
It was in 1964 that PIA Pakistan International Airlines became the first commercial airline to fly into China. That was 50 years ago! How times fly.
@ashraf Thats the whole idea here. It is unthinkable how Pakistan is going to protect these investments of Chinese with Terror looming large everyday. Moreover can a small country which does not rule a part of its own area (FATA region) protect any investment done by foreign country ? If so, then how ?
@Dinesh Singh Nice observation...
@Ravi jha This visit is focused on revival of economy, you can come later.
a definite win against arch rival india.
The trust and friendship between neighborly Pakistan and China has blossomed and sets an example for all nations to follow. It is exemplary and time tested. It is higher than the highest mountain and deeper than the deepest ocean. It is love between two peoples and bondage that transcends culture. It is mutual respect for each other.
Chine Pakistani bhai bhai
lets hope that the visit will provide benefits to both the neighbours. india is the only country which has hostile relations with its neighbours which impedes in its development
China is the next and the only hope left for this world. The existing geo-political paradigm has failed. Poverty, schisms, conflicts, democratic demise is prevalent and the world is a divided place. We need change. Change from status quo. Change from the UN system. Change from current superpower imbalance and ineffectiveness. In this context, everything else becomes redundant and irrelevant. What is of importance is the fact that China has come a long way in the past 15 years.
@aryanstan I agree with your proposal but China's own population is very huge.
@hyat this is hilarious. He already had visted your eastern neighbour.trade between china and your eastern neighbour is at least 10 times bigger than your trade with china.
iron brothers...?? how can some body explain it..???
@Blue Saffron countries don't have friendships, they have mutual benefits. As long as the benefits are mutual they remain friends.
Now President Xi is here. Let's show him our hospitality. We should not even let him go - we should treat him like a king for rest of the life
@Tranquil ha ha staying in pakistan for 2 days but for indonesia for 4 days
China knows that its future growth is not possible without Pakistan. They need Pakistan's strategic location to succeed. Pakistan should not let go of this advantage.
Does AIR China Plane come with a Warranty??
Welcome To Pakistan
@nation lover - Good to hide your frustration under "ha ha".
Once Chankya said "weak person doesn't have any friends and powerful person doesn't have any enemies"
Pakistan, march forward with belief in yourself, resilience and perseverance. After all, you have survived sixty years against all odds and I will guarantee you that you will survive and outlive the others who will do you harm. God Speed and Good Luck. In God We Trust.
Suites and ties are important to look professional But it would be really difficult to wear one and go out in hot summer day. Does cloths belongs to our land looks really odd?
Pakistan should look inward for putting the country on a track to increased prosperity. However, it should look outwards to position itself based on the competitive advantages it has regionally, politically and geographically. Linkages with Middle East, Europe, CAS and China are Pakistan's strong point and why some neighboring countries are trying to undermine it.
Pakistan is the Parthenon of sacrifices for the cause of peace and prosperity in the world and the region.
China is a real friend of Pakistan..Welcome to Pakistan..
Long live Pakistan and China.
Pakistan is the Pantheon of the civilized world. A culture so rich, a legacy so beautiful and a history so vibrant.
@nation lover its not about how much time he spends here.
Welcome Mr President. I hope you have a good stay!
It appears to me that Pakistan is the bulwark of capitalism and democracy in the region and considers strong and democratic neighbors as an asset
It was Pakistan that enabled Americans to establish their first contact with Chinese when Kissinger and Nixon travelled to China. How times fly!
Pakistanis eptiomize the very meaning of the Pakistani flag and what it stands for. A deeply ingrained personification of the love for people of all cultures, religion, and creed. Very few countries can claim this. But Pakistan walks the walk and talks the talk. An example for all neighbors and global powers alike.
..this is a welcome visit of The President of An Economic giant and super power..next door let see what balancing overtures are shown by the reigning super Power (US). Our leaders must not be carried away by the feat only but harvest from the competitiveness amongst the developing geopolitics.
Welcome Sir..
@Yogender lodhi gone to your home
@Tranquil no dear we are happy for you, we need developed Pakistan, so that youngster should be on lathe machine and not on machine guns.
You cannot build your lives with a honor with a begging bowl always in your hand. China was and never a trusted friend. They will use and throw. For this instance they need new market as their production is running lower than capacity and they need to run it continuously to full capacity to boost their economy.
Indians trying their best to do what they do best. Bust all it shows is how insecure and jealous they are. Long live China long live Pak.
We welcome our distinguished Chinese President.
Indian should calm down and Watch the game...
welcome President
@Warrior Bin Qasim Yes best friend who is visiting Pak after 9 years
@Harmony To all my overexcited neighbors...This is not even a news in any of the prominent Indian newspapers...There is nothing for India to be jealous about in fact i am happy and I believe there should be cordial and friendly relations between neighbor countries...Don't go over the top like you guys did with the US in past...have a balanced approach..for the rest..All the best!
All the people oohing and aahing at the visit should read this excellent analysis by Cyril Almedia that was published in Dawn on Sunday:
http://www.dawn.com/news/1176805/chinese-whispers
A true eye opener it is. Most likely this visit by the Chinese president will be as fruitless for Pakistan as the dozens of similar visits that preceded it. Nothing good will come out of this as well.
Remember that all that glitters is not gold.
Pakistan hospitality or Pakistan submission ....whatever,at best !!!
In First phase of $ 28 billion investment, $20 billion is being invested in Power sectors by Chinese companies which were assured by Pakistan to buyback the electricity at premium price. So, this is good for Chinese. But I doubt benefit of Pakistan here. Dear Pak brothers, Please careful with dragon.
China means business and only business. Question is what are they selling and how are they getting paid for it?
Pakistan China Bhai Bhai. China has been Pakistan's best friend since 1947 and will always remain the best.
Truly deserved honour for Xi. Only the 5th chones premier to receive it. Gaddafi and saddam Hussain has graced the trophy in the past.
PTV needs to buy good quality cameras, previously at Pak Day parade and now at the Chinese president welcome, the picture quality is pathetic, if PTV cannot cover the event properly, any news channel like Dawn can cover it with much better equipment..
Pakistan should have close relationship with all its immediate neighbours... We need to reach our potential..
thank u to our chinese friends. and hats off to nawaz sharif n the govt for mking it possible.
I look positively to xi visit, hope it brings prosperity to pak. Wishes from India
@Waqar LOL
@O Really Gawadar port is the biggest requirement of China and Pakistan have it. I guess you got the answer.
@asghar and see what happened to them .. this proves that Pakistan was wrong, is wrong and perhaps will always be wrong.
@Warrior Bin Qasim
You guys are a sad lot
I appreciate the quality of Dawn news, I visited so many Indian news sites where people use dirty language and abuse each other in comments section. Good work Dawn news you are not doing that cheap practice.
human right violations against muslims in Xinjiang region must be top agenda in this meeting
@jason China is investing 46 billion USD in Pakistan in the next few years in energy and infrastructure. Much more than the recent pledges in India. They were about to invest 20 billion USD in India, but during Xi visit, China forces invaded Ladakh sector and the visit partly failed. The investment didn't realized as predicted, down to a couple billion USD. Yes the two way trade is huge between the two countries heavily in favor of China. China is a 10 trillion USD economy and India is about 2.0 trillion USD.
We boast so much of our friendship with China and on the other hand PEC & PMDC don't recognize their Universities.
What about if all the projects are same rail engines from China. Billions of kick backs would go to rulers and cronies and poor people of Pakistan would keep on paying the cost.
This visit will only be worth anything if deals are signed. Not the pointless MoUs we get. India is able to get ink on paper so why can't we?
Its not good to depend on a single country this much..remember "Heavy Price" dialog by ur own brothers..
WOW.....That has pumped some extra blood in my whole body...may God Bless Pakistan !
NS is looking very uncomfortable. Tensions are high
@Einstein Babar Pls suggest me you are talking for which new portal? well but dawn Quality is no doubt, is international.
Let us build schools for Education of all children with the Chinese economic package.
All 5 - 15 years old children in Pakistan must go to school.
This will be destiny changing.
All projects having a worth of US $ one billion or more and funded/financed by Foriegn Donors, International Finance Institutions or foriegn countries under whatever arrangements (Investment, Aid, Loan), should be placed before the Parliament for approval. People have a right to know complete details as it is they who will eventually have to foot the bill or face the consequences. The politicians in order to make short term political gains, have already landed Palistan in a heap of internal and external debts. If one were to conduct an audit of the donations/aid so far received or national debts so far incurred, I am sure we will not be able to account for the money spent.
not only pakistan, india could benefit from it as well, we can extend this corridore towards centeral asia to europe, also could make bridges from southern pak to gulf states. india should think about it.
All is great, IF no corruption by corrupt group.
@ilias Oh why is that ? Not used to hear much of good news ?
Photos are not clear.
First of all we warmly welcome President Xi Jinping on his visit to Pakistan which shows the commitment of Government of China as well as Peoples of China towards Pakistan. We also appreciate the efforts of present government especially Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif who make sincere efforts to materialize this visit. After Mr. Obama's visit to India, the visit of Chines President is very important for Pakistan. China is a true friend of Pakistan who always stand shoulder to shoulder with Pakistan on every time of need. China's support to Pakistan always remain unconditional. The Chines President visit to Pakistan open the corridor of success for Pakistan. This visit helps us to eliminate the shortage of electricity. China will also meet the defence needs of Pakistan which will bring peace in the South Asia. The doors of jobs will also open for the general public of Pakistan.
The US PNAC failed now, China wins
@Sandhu Oh Jee Oh Jatta Jee - well said!!! good weather @ good friend :)
Brother or new Master? What about the Muslims in China?Are we not going to speak up for them?
Money, money, money !!!
china is very important for us especialy economic and defense so pak should strenghten these relationship
The credit goes to Nawaz Sharif. Well-done Mr. Prime Minister!
A warm welcome to the Chinese president.
@Sal You sound like an envious neighbor.
@Aslan lol...im humbled! :p
@rational guy - Thanks! Prosperity and peace for any country in the region is good for others in the region and rubs along!
@UR A very appropriate question. Pakistan will have to live upto it's end of the deal otherwise China has other route options. Unfortunately Pakistan has overestimated its perceived strategic location for decades.
Welcome President Xi Jinping
But there needs to be transparency that this money will not benefit Shareefs and his servants.
stable prosperous and devellop pakistan is in the interest of all region bcos pakistan only has given most secrifice of their rangers soldiers common man and school children killed by countries own extremist, no other country has suffered more. hope for the best good luck with heart.
This visit will be game changer in the South Asia and also bring economic development in Pakistan.
Chinese are hard working, resulted oriented smart people. Hope all, India inclusive, learn from them. Sincere wishes to Pakistani citizens. As Asians, we should look at each other for support more than depending on western faraway countries.
The friendship between China and Pakistan is based on mutual respect. The focus on economic relations between both countries could include establishment of educational facilities for all Pakistani children aged 5 - 15 years. The best way out of poverty for Pakistan is education.
So now we believe China will be savior. Guys, he is here to do business and will probably start dumping goods which do not sell in China. And anyway Modi is going to China next month.
@Tranquil hi
Actually the deal is good for India also. If China invest in Pak more and more ppl will get jobs and education and they might move away from terrorist organization and that is really good for India and PAK
Whilst any investment is welcome, don't forget its investment only. 35 billion dollars of investment, all new energy project will be OWNED by the Chinese company, and Pakistan will have to buy the energy under all circumstances. This would make some good returns for china. The rest are soft loans for different projects.
@saleemullah human right violations against muslims in Xinjiang region must be top agenda in this meeting
@abuzar
human right violations against muslims in Xinjiang region must be top agenda in this meeting
Heartiest Welcome!
@dipak thanks for ur sane comments and wishes
China has imperialist ambitions... be careful what you wish for.
So did the people of Gotham appreciated the Batman...come out of the Marvel world guys...
Thank you China.We are proud on sincere and long standing time tested friendship with China like great wall of China.
hope for the best to all pakistani excluding politicians
To our Chinese guests::::
Pakistan has a plethora of talent in technology including software. Lahore is like Boston, a historic city of culture, education and history and full of colleges like Harvard and MIT.
The youth of Pakistan are committed to being part of world progress and passionate about it.
According to a recent IMF report, Pakistan has the potential of immense growth and progress surpassing all expectations.
Congrats pakistan... hope this trip bring prosperity and investment for next generations bright future.
An economically vibrant and prosperous Pakistan will be a stabilizing force in south Asia. It also provides a befitting reply to zealots that are dragging Pakistan and the entire region down. It shall remain interesting to see how Pakistan's army takes it since it has managed to insert itself deep into Pakistan's energy sector. Bereft of that interest, army may find itself relegated to barracks and not fighting real and imaginary enemies. All is all a win-win situation for Pakistan and the region
If Pakistan develops that is good for us. Less instability, more trade with them and as a whole South Asia will develop. Currently, South Asia is one of the poor regions along with sub Sahara Africa. 46 billion for Pakistan is like $350 for India. huge amount
Welcome President Xi Jinping. We welcome you with all our heart.
150MOU that is a new world record.
@Abdul Basit India, please take a note of "Mutual Respect". We Pakistani people will respect India to the same level as we will receive from India.
China and Pakistan have had contact long before China became China and Pakistan became Pakistan with people to people contacts. We are both very old people.
I am an Indian but still happy for this major development, we have also got around $20 bn but please do not be over dependent on china
@jason Because we don't have anything to invest in.
I am impressed that Chinese first lady wore Pakistani flag colors on arrival (GREEN and WHITE) :)
Happy to see the Chinese president in Pakistan. The economic corridor investment is something Pakistan needs to be careful about. The Chinese are keeping most benefits to themselves. There may be some indirect real estate price hike benefits to Pakistan though.
@Zaffar deals worth $45 Bilion are not signed everyday, so please be happy.
@Tranquil : Doesn't look like you are enjoying.
@Awais Ali : All weather master
@jason : So true!
Of course Pakistan needs to be careful with this investment but then every investment is risky. No country will invest in another country unless they've an agenda. It doesn't mean Pak should not be happy with this investment. It'll bring progress to Pak.
With the energy treaty, China will end up owning all the power it'll generate in Pak and will sell it back to Pak and make money. Also, most of the money it's investing is a high interest loan.
Still Pakistan will benefit from it as it'll create jobs and build infrastructure. So congrats Pakistan.
A dhost from India, best wishes to China and Pakistan Friendship!!
@rational guy thanks for good wishes
Pak China Friendship wan zoey
PAK CHEEN DOOSTI ZINDABAD.
Will someone ask these 'dharna' fellows,what are they feeling now? they were told,that the chinese president won't come or china won't make any investment in pakistan etc. Will someone reply,what greater national interest they were serving?
It is great trade corridor all the way for China but only when it is completed. It will immensely benefit China for its trade by way of cheaper and competitive goods to other markets as well as Pakistan. So much for the local markets of Pakistan and it will get free highway, subject to terms, on its territory to be used essentially by China. Great investments, great benefit for China. Cost benefit works out well! Now Pakistan has to develop its industrial base and produce at a competitive market to make any economic sense out of it.
Let us not be naive. China's actions are based on pure self-interest. But this is very natural and nothing wrong with it. What makes China so different to all others is that it understands the other party should benefit too in the process and thus seals a long-lasting business and emotional relationship. A sequence of high rate constant growth, year in year out, since 1978 proves that the Chinese always take a LONG term view on all aspects. Pakistan is an extremely important ally for China. The history of co-operation and support over the years, and Pakistan's STRATEGIC position in the globe providing access to the sea to Western China and the central Asian republics are the main reasons. The problem is that Saudi Arabia, the Gulf countries, and the US are against the prosperity of both countries. We can only hope that China pushes the agenda practically all on its own - to achieve IT'S objectives. The benefit to Pakistan would be immense, and all of it as a by-product.
@Tranquil and they have so many colors but all with a common theme!
@an indian Well said. It is a universal truth.
Why are the JF Thunder jets escorting the Chinese leadr's plane? Isn't this a bit too much, won't call it supine or something though. But avoidable for sure.
@Dinesh Singh yes, I know you have the ability to see only what you want to see.
I hope that there will be no space for terrorism in developed Pakistan
Hello my pakistan friends,
I am chinese, i am happy to see your warmest comments about our friendship, i want to thank pakistan people to let chinese have a good friend.
As always, we have no problem at all and we have a common opinion about many things so we are friends, it's a very good thing, isn't it? and we are good neighbors!
I will not forget when many western countries boycot Beijing Olympic 2008, in Paris' relay, I met a pakistan in the street, when others "boycot" and make many political blaim even in the sport event, he tell me: "pakistan and china are brothers! I support you!" You know I was so touched! Every country has his problem, we need respect each other and we need true friend, isn't it?
So thank pakistan and let's make our futur better together!
china is constructing its highway on pak soil and pakistan is so happy about it
@Palijo please also read peoples comments to that article. Please be positive and do something real & positive.
Great news. So happy today. InshaAllah this tour will change fate of Pakistan and make it a large developing and progressive country.
Two beautiful nations are trying to create a beautiful example of friendship. This will be a gift for the prosperity of poor nations.
well step taken for poor economy of pakistan
Awesome now NS can become a global businessman.., going to be in Forbes list of the richest!
@Desi lad ...positive thinking....appreciated
a friend in need is a friend indeed. China is the only true n reliable friend of Pakistan. May our friendship last longer then our enemies.
@Rao both in China's favour, phir sey sochlo.
@Rohan ...." before visiting Pak he visited India". China decided to invest USD.46 billion in Pakistan...after Modi visit China, the investment may be doubled.
@Yogender lodhi calm down and read the entire article.
8 J 17 escorting the Chinese president plane, what a sight! We have not given that ceremonial welcome to anyone. Chinese media have splashed that picture all over their country in all media. Chinese people comments are awesome.
so.. is nawaz only prime minister of punjab or pakistan?
A stable & prosperous Pakistan is in everyone's interest, including India's but Pakistan will have to wipe out terrorism from its soil on its own. China or another "friend" can not do that.
Welcome welcome
There was a time when they called "hindi-cheeni bhai bhai". Now it is "all weather friends". Is it equivalent of 19th century East India Company all over again ? History has tendencies to repeat itself.
Pakistan China friendship is a fountain of hope and peace for the entire world.
Good that China is looking to develop and make investments in Pakistan. A stable and proprous Pakistan is good for South Asia.
China is a friend which has supported us in all kith and kin.when we look from India s perspective this is only the veto power who will stand with us against all worldly consipiricies
China is really a friendly country of which we are proud of.
Chinese investment in Pakistan is similar to USA's Marshall Plan for Europe. It will change the fate of the country.
It is good if Pakistan progress. They have to have rule of law no terrorism social justice. There will be peace in India and Afghanistan. I wish good luck from India.
This will do absolutely NOTHING. The only thing that can put back on the road to prosperity and self reliance is Education and focus on human resource development.
A very warm welcome & congrats to President Xi Jinping,& PM Nawaz Shareef,for Economic Corridor,China has already freighting via rail goods from China to Europe and vice versa,to Hamburg Germany say 10,214km, and to Spain 13000km,so there should be no apprehensions that the Gwaddar to W.China corridor will be complete in time,and will benefit both the countries.
Nawaz Sharif you must deserve the credit and now we want the continuity of these projects and on time
All I am seeing is talk and in 10 years bla bla we need help now, we need investment now
@KM yes they will, projected revenues from the corridor is $ 25billion.
Instead of pushing more traffic through the Karakoram Highway, the governments should create railway links to China. I know that's going to be diffcult in the mountainous region but the old cities around the Karakoram Highway are already suffering from excess traffic and pollution.
you are welcome warmly in pakistan.