By Naveed Meraj and Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence, Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed Saturday praised China’s support for Pakistan, saying when many countries, including Muslim nations, hesitated to invest in Pakistan due to terrorism, China stepped forward.
Senator Mushahid Hussain was speaking as the Chief Guest at a special ceremony organized by the All-Pakistan China Overseas Youth Federation (APCOYF) in connection with the 74th National Day of the People’s Republic of China.
China Investment in Pakistan
He also highlighted China’s significant investment in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). A decade ago, China made a substantial investment of $26 billion in Pakistan through the CPEC project, resulting in the creation of an 8,000 MW power generation capacity, the generation of 200,000 job opportunities, and the establishment of 800 kilometers of new transmission lines.
He noted that China’s global vision of inclusive development is the only acceptable path forward, particularly in a 21st-century Asia that could potentially face the challenges of a new cold war.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed invoked the words of Dr. Allama Iqbal, an iconic poet from the East, who predicted the rise of the Asian century and China’s prominence nearly 90 years ago. He underscored the shifting balance of economic, cultural, and political power from the West to the East.
China Inclusive Approach
While welcoming this transformation, he cautioned against divisive forces that promote disputes, containment, and a new cold war in Asia. He firmly rejected such notions, emphasizing that Asia cannot afford another cold war and that unity is essential.
Senator Mushahid commended China for its inclusive approach to development, highlighting that China does not impose its values or hegemony on others but advocates for win-win solutions among nations.
Senator Mushahid recognized the shared values and aspirations between China and Pakistan, particularly the significance of women and youth in shaping the future. He traced China’s historic journey from liberation to progress and outlined its cultural resilience, peaceful rise, and commitment to self-reliance.
He described China as not merely a country but an ancient civilization with a rich history spanning 5,000 years. Senator Mushahid emphasized CPEC as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its positive impact on job creation.
He praised China as a steadfast friend and strategic partner for Pakistan, highlighting their alignment on core issues and interests. In conclusion, Senator Mushahid celebrated China’s remarkable transformation from a poor and weak nation to a global leader.
The event featured cultural performances, including Chinese music, a Chinese song, and a traditional Pakistani dance. Senator Mushahid and other dignitaries presided over a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the strong friendship between the two nations. Aasma Ismail Butt, President of APCOYF, expressed her commitment to promoting Pak-China friendship and fostering love between the two nations.
