PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Minister Muzzamil Aslam has described China’s economic transformation as a model for Pakistan, saying the country’s experience showed that natural resources alone could not guarantee prosperity without effective planning and development.
He was speaking as chief guest at a ceremony organised by China Window in Peshawar to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and China’s National Day.
Mr Aslam said China’s development demonstrated the importance of turning natural resources, human potential and geographical advantages into sustainable economic growth through policy continuity, modern technology, industrialisation and long-term planning.
The ceremony was attended by Acting Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran Muhammad Hassan Moazzami, Member of the Provincial Assembly Mehar Sultana, Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Junaid Altaf, China Window Administrator Amjad Aziz Malik, representatives of the business community, journalists, officials from various organisations and prominent figures from different walks of life.
Lessons From China
The provincial finance minister said Pakistan could learn from China’s experience in transforming its resources into economic strength.
He said China had linked infrastructure development with industrialisation, trade, employment generation and regional development rather than treating infrastructure projects solely as construction initiatives.
Mr Aslam also highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), describing it as a historic milestone in economic relations between the two countries.
He said CPEC should not be viewed only in terms of highways, power projects and other infrastructure, but as a broader effort to improve economic connectivity, promote industrial activity, expand trade and integrate different regions of Pakistan into the wider regional economy.
Investment In KP
Mr Aslam invited Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, identifying energy, minerals, tourism, agriculture, information technology, infrastructure and industry as areas with significant potential.
He also praised China Window for promoting people-to-people ties between Pakistan and China through educational, cultural and public diplomacy initiatives.
Acting Consul General of Iran Muhammad Hassan Moazzami congratulated China’s government and people on National Day, saying China had emerged as an important force in regional and global economic cooperation.
He said greater connectivity, trade and people-to-people interaction could create opportunities for shared prosperity and development across Asia.
Education And Trade
Member of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Mehar Sultana said China’s development demonstrated the importance of education, skills development and the participation of young people and women in national progress.
She said Pakistan could benefit from greater educational and cultural exchanges with China, particularly by providing students and young professionals with opportunities to develop technical and vocational skills.
Industrialist Haji Mukhtiaruddin said the business community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was interested in expanding business-to-business relations with China.
He highlighted the province’s potential in minerals, hydropower, tourism, agriculture and industry, saying greater interaction between Chinese investors and local businesses could help turn that potential into productive economic activity.
Stronger Ties
Other speakers also congratulated the Chinese people on the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and called for stronger cooperation between Pakistan and China in economic, educational, cultural and people-to-people spheres.
Supreme Court Advocate and Pakistan Muslim League-Q leader Habib Qureshi said the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China would continue to strengthen.
Christian community leader Augustine Jacob also extended National Day greetings and expressed his wishes for China’s continued progress and prosperity.
China Window Director Naz Parveen said the celebration in Peshawar reflected the warmth of relations between the people of Pakistan and China.
The event brought together representatives of the business community, journalists, officials and other prominent figures, who reaffirmed their support for stronger Pakistan-China economic and cultural cooperation.
