Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif departed for Hangzhou to begin a four-day official visit to China, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The Pakistani delegation will meet the Party Secretary of Zhejiang Province and participate in the Pakistan-China Business Forum under CPEC Phase-II. The trip aims to review progress under Phase II, explore new investment opportunities, and deepen cooperation across energy, infrastructure, and trade. Analysts view the visit as a signal of Pakistan's continued strategic alignment with China amid regional dynamics, potentially accelerating project timelines, expanding industrial collaboration in Zhejiang, and enhancing access to Chinese markets. The forum is also seen as a platform to reassure investors about governance and transparency while showcasing Pakistan's development opportunities. In my view, while the visit sends important political and economic signals, its success will depend on concrete, transparent procurement, enforceable timetables, and diversification of partnerships to reduce risks of overreliance on a single partner. It should also prioritize broad-based benefits for Pakistani citizens, including local industry participation, environmental safeguards, and measurable social and economic outcomes.

Source: Statement from @PakTVGlobal

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Published: May 22, 2026, 8:20 pm