Pakistan, China entering new phase of CPEC: PM

Business Recorder reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told a function on Wednesday that Pakistan has moved into a fresh stage of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The next phase will concentrate on industrial growth, special economic zones, information technology and artificial intelligence, agriculture, and mining and minerals. Sharif framed the new stage as a joint effort to secure greater prosperity for both nations.

The remarks came at a ceremony marking China's 77th founding anniversary, and Sharif said 2026 carries special meaning as it marks 75 years of diplomatic ties. He pointed to the relationship's durability through earthquakes, storms and floods, calling it central to the country's diplomatic approach. He also referred to his May meeting with President Xi Jinping and said Pakistan remains committed to carrying out the understandings reached between the two leaderships.

Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who also addressed the event, described the two countries as strategic partners that stand together in every weather. He credited Pakistan with helping protect regional stability and wider global security. He said Sharif had firmly defended national interests in his address to the 81st UN General Assembly session, and that the international community has appreciated Islamabad's stance.