Historic Leap: Pakistan and China Forge Formal Parliamentary Partnership to Accelerate CPEC 2.0

Pakistan and China Solidify Parliamentary Ties for Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation

BEIJING:In a significant advancement for their enduring friendship, Pakistan and China have officially committed to establishing a structured, formal working relationship between their respective parliaments. This landmark decision, announced by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday, promises to elevate parliamentary cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic exchanges.

Following productive discussions with Chairman Zhao Leji of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) and Chairman Wang Huning of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Speaker Sadiq emphasized the mutual desire for closer collaboration. Both nations are now actively drafting formal agreements designed to institutionalize their parliamentary engagement.

Institutionalizing Legislative Collaboration Through New Agreements

The proposed formal agreements mark a pivotal step in strengthening the strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing. Speaker Sadiq highlighted that these pacts will create a framework for mutual learning from each other’s legislative practices, enhance joint efforts in international parliamentary forums, and establish sustainable mechanisms for ongoing interaction between the two legislatures. The Chinese side has reportedly shown keen interest in adopting these forward-looking proposals.

Discussions during the visit also encompassed a broad spectrum of cooperative initiatives, including:

A New Chapter: Beyond Occasional Visits to Sustained Engagement

Speaker Sadiq underscored the historical significance of this initiative, noting that it represents the first time Pakistan and China will forge a formal working relationship between their parliaments through a written understanding. This move signifies a strategic shift from sporadic interactions to a sustained, structured partnership. Importantly, specialized parliamentary committees—particularly those focused on industry, agriculture, and mining—will now be empowered to hold joint sessions, exploring Pakistan’s economic potential and fostering collaborative growth.

Furthermore, leaders from both sides delved into cooperation across critical sectors such as exports, mineral resources, and agriculture. The Chinese leadership conveyed a strong enthusiasm for expanding collaboration in these economically vital areas.

Joint Committees to Drive CPEC 2.0 and Bilateral Growth

A core element of this revitalized engagement involves regular virtual meetings between key standing committees, including those overseeing agriculture, defence, petroleum, and mines and minerals. These interactions are designed to provide crucial guidance to both governments, advancing their bilateral cooperation. Speaker Sadiq articulated this vision, stating, “The more interaction there is between committees, the better we can support our governments in moving forward together.” This emphasis on committee-driven engagement is set to be a cornerstone of the new partnership.

Addressing the future of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Speaker Sadiq acknowledged a slowdown in CPEC progress between 2018 and 2022. However, he reassured the Chinese delegation thatPakistan, China agree to formal parliamentary partnership, committees to drive CPEC 2.0 collaboration, affirming that the next phase, CPEC 2.0, is poised for renewed momentum. Pakistan remains committed to operating within the framework of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative, seeking collaboration wherever it aligns with President Xi Jinping’s vision and the shared interests of both governments.

Speaker Sadiq is currently leading a three-day parliamentary delegation on an official visit to China, extended at the special invitation of Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, marking a new era of legislative diplomacy between the two strategic allies.