The 97th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China was celebrated at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Pakistan on Thursday.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the event was graced by His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zaidong, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Pakistan, as the Chief Guest.

Attendees included Major General Wang Zhong, Defence Attaché, officials from the Chinese Embassy, and officers from Pakistan's tri-services.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir extended a warm welcome to the Chinese delegation.

In his speech, he congratulated the PLA on its anniversary and lauded its significant contributions to China’s defense, security, and national development. He emphasized the exceptional nature of Pakistan-China relations, highlighting their resilience and mutual trust through changing strategic environments.

“The bond between the Pakistan Army and the People’s Liberation Army is strong, with continuous bilateral military cooperation demonstrating our ironclad brotherhood,” General Munir stated.

The Chinese Ambassador expressed gratitude to the COAS for hosting the event, recognizing the sacrifices of the Pakistani military in combating terrorism and promoting regional peace and stability.

“We are committed to working alongside our Pakistani brethren to fight terrorism, and we firmly believe that no force can undermine the ironclad friendship between China and Pakistan, and the brotherhood between our militaries,” he declared.