Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will offer free visas to Chinese citizens starting August 14.
This move, described by Sharif as a gesture of deepening the enduring friendship between the two nations, comes as a significant step in enhancing diplomatic and economic relations with China.
Addressing the media following a high-level meeting with a Chinese delegation on Thursday, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of the visit. “China and Pakistan share an eternal bond of friendship,” Sharif stated, expressing his pleasure at the delegation’s arrival and the anticipated positive impact of the visit on bilateral cooperation.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the delegation’s visit is expected to yield substantial benefits, particularly in the realms of investment, industry, agriculture, and economic zones. He expressed optimism that increased cooperation in agriculture would bolster Pakistan’s capacity to meet Chinese demands and facilitate exports of agricultural products. Additionally, Sharif underscored the potential for industrial and technological collaboration, including the transfer of advanced industrial projects from China to Pakistan.
In light of recent security concerns, Sharif also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals. Following the tragic killing of Chinese citizens in Bisham earlier this year, the government has implemented stringent security measures. Sharif assured that those responsible for the violence will face stringent legal action, with ongoing efforts to enhance protection for Chinese citizens throughout Pakistan.
The announcement of free visas is part of a broader initiative to enhance the bilateral relationship. The Prime Minister likened the friendship between Pakistan and China to being “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deep sea.” He also referenced Pakistan’s recent satellite launch, suggesting that the friendship is now “touching the sky.”
During the meeting, Sharif expressed his aspiration to model Pakistan’s economic development on China’s successful strategies. He welcomed the presence of Chinese experts who will provide valuable knowledge and experience to Pakistani counterparts, reinforcing his vision of transforming Pakistan’s economy in line with the Chinese model.
The meeting with the Chinese delegation was led by Wang Fukang and attended by several key Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Ahsan Iqbal, and others. The discussions also included Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong, emphasizing the collaborative spirit of the visit.