Maulana Fazlur Rehman urges government to further expand relations with China

Peshawar: Key government leader, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has urged the government to further expand relations with China.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who chairs the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), expressed his appreciation for the previous governments led by the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for their contributions in strengthening the relations between Pakistan and China.

He said that the incumbent government of Pakistan is utilizing all its capabilities to further strengthen Pakistan-China relations.

Rehman was speaking at a ceremony at the China Window – a Chinese Culture Center in Peshawar – to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The JUI-F visited the various galleries of China Window, signed on the friendship wall, and cut a cake to mark the 10th anniversary of the CPEC.

Speaking to journalists on the occasion, he highlighted the significance of the CPEC. Maulana Fazlur Rehman described it as a comprehensive plan for Pakistan’s development and prosperity.

He commended China’s economic vision and its willingness to collaborate with Pakistan in establishing free economic zones and trade routes.

Despite external pressures, he acknowledged the efforts of the PML-N and PPP governments in initiating and advancing the CPEC projects, which encompassed not only transportation infrastructure but also industrial zones, energy, communication, and technology sectors.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman pointed out that certain forces sought to undermine the CPEC and hinder Pakistan’s economic progress. However, he commended the current government for its commitment to reviving and accelerating the developmental journey.

The PDM chief emphasized the need to restore China’s confidence and affirmed that the government was employing all possible means to achieve this.

He mentioned the initiation of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan, similar to the Rashkai Economic Zone, which would bring development and prosperity to the southern districts of the province.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman stressed the importance of strengthening the friendship between Pakistan and China and urged the nation to remain vigilant in this regard.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman commended the organizers of China Window, expressing his delight at the establishment of a center for Pakistan-China friendship in Peshawar.

He pledged his full cooperation and support for further advancements in strengthening bilateral relations, stating that guidance would be sought from China Window.