Special Seminar on “Shared Dreams, Shared Progress: Marking 10 Years of Modernization” Held at National Library of Pakistan

Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: On 21 April 2025, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) participated as a speaker in a special seminar titled “Shared Dreams, Shared Progress: Marking 10 Years of Modernization” was jointly organized by China Media Group (CMG) and the National Library of Pakistan in Islamabad. The event served as a significant platform to reflect on ten years of modernization, development, and the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China.

The Chief Guest, Federal Minister for the Board of Investment, Mr. Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, in his keynote address, highlighted the landmark significance of President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan ten years ago, calling it a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. He emphasized that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a vital role in driving Pakistan’s economic growth over the past decade, delivering benefits not only to Pakistan but also to the broader region.

Minister of State for National Heritage and Culture, Mr. Huzaifa Rehman, addressed the seminar virtually. He noted that a decade ago, Pakistan was facing severe economic challenges, and President Xi’s announcement of CPEC proved to be an economic lifeline that breathed new energy into the Pakistan-China friendship.

During his address, Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram reflected on the historic launch of CPEC on April 20, 2015, marked by the signing of various agreements and MoUs worth $46 billion.He also described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, noting that it uniquely traverses only one country. He elaborated on CPEC’s transformative role in Pakistan’s economy and emphasized China’s ongoing commitment to high-quality development, expanding cooperation into new and emerging sectors.

Member of the National Assembly and Federal Parliamentary Secretary for IT and Telecommunications, Ms. Sabheen Ghoury, in her remarks, reiterated that Pakistan and China are true all-weather friends. She emphasized that President Xi’s visit significantly elevated bilateral cooperation, particularly in the digital and economic sectors, setting the foundation for a stronger, future-oriented partnership.

Former Ambassador of Pakistan to China and senior diplomat, Mr. Sardar Masood Khan, in a special video message, praised the deepening economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two countries. He underscored that President Xi’s visit marked a turning point in addressing Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy deficits, contributing to long-term national development.

The seminar was attended by prominent think tanks, scholars, students, researchers, media professionals, and representatives from various sectors, all of whom engaged in meaningful discourse on the impact and prospects of China-Pakistan cooperation.

A special highlight of the seminar was the recognition of Mr. Shahid Afraz Khan, author of the recently published Urdu-language book “چین، آج اور کل”, which provides an insightful exploration of China’s development policies and its strategic collaboration with Pakistan.

The large turnout of media representatives reflected the growing public interest in the success of the Pakistan-China partnership and its future potential.

The seminar not only commemorated a decade of shared achievements but also reaffirmed the mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation across all sectors, paving the way for a new era of shared prosperity and modernization.