ISLAMABAD: Several joint projects are currently underway between Pakistan and China in the minerals sector, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik said on Sunday, as he highlighted the expanding scope of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister Malik was speaking at a special ceremony hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan to mark the Chinese Spring Festival under the theme “Chinese New Year, China–Pakistan Go Together”.
Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Malik said cooperation in the mining sector was gaining momentum, with multiple joint initiatives already in progress.
He said that following the success of the Saindak project in Balochistan, the next major milestone in bilateral mineral cooperation would be the Siah Dik copper mining project in Balochistan.
He expressed hope that the project would be operationalised in the near future.
Malik added that economic ties between the two countries were expanding into new domains, particularly minerals.
“Several joint projects are currently underway between the two countries in the minerals sector,” he said, underscoring the strategic importance of resource development in bilateral relations.
اسلام آباد: شاندار بہار میلے کے 5ویں دن افطاری کی میزبانی کرنے پر عوامی جمہوریہ چین کے سفیر محترم جیانگ زیڈونگ کے مشکور ہیں۔ pic.twitter.com/p5BIOFhRzZ
— Ali Pervaiz Malik (@AliPervaiz450) February 22, 2026
Chinese New Year celebrations
The event was held to celebrate the Year of the Horse and to reaffirm the enduring friendship between the two nations.
Extending heartfelt congratulations to the Chinese leadership, government and people, Malik said the Year of the Horse reflected the resilience, strength and enduring nature of the Pakistan–China friendship.
He noted that China had consistently extended support to Pakistan, particularly during challenging economic times.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he said, Pakistan had stabilised its economy and was now targeting growth, with continued Chinese support expected to accelerate progress.
He reiterated that Pakistan and China shared an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would deepen further in the coming year.
‘Unshakable’ confidence
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong said China’s confidence in Pakistan remained “unshakable”.
He reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to close cooperation with Pakistan across multiple sectors, including energy and minerals.
He expressed optimism that both countries would continue working together for shared prosperity and the well-being of their peoples.
CPEC second phase
Pakistan-China economic cooperation is anchored in the $62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has entered its second phase covering 2025–2029.
The new phase focuses on industrialisation, agriculture and technology, alongside the operationalisation of Special Economic Zones under the updated action plan.
Major infrastructure and energy projects completed under CPEC include the 1,320 megawatt Sahiwal coal-fired power plant, the Port Qasim coal plant and the Hub power project.
Transport projects such as the Multan-Sukkur section of the Peshawar-Karachi Motorway, the Karakoram Highway Phase II and the Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore have also been completed.
Gwadar Port development, including the New Gwadar International Airport, remains central to efforts to establish the port city as a regional trade hub.
Officials say that by September 2025, more than 11 energy projects with a combined capacity of about 6,370 megawatts had been completed, helping to ease Pakistan’s chronic power shortages.
Celebrations for CPEC workers
Meanwhile, grand celebrations were held across Pakistan for Chinese employees working on CPEC projects to mark the Chinese New Year.
Special ceremonies, dinners and recreational events were organised at various project sites, as many Chinese nationals were unable to travel home for the festival.
Senior Pakistani officials attended the festivities to demonstrate solidarity and goodwill, reflecting what both sides describe as an “iron brotherhood” between the two countries.
