Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that Pakistan will provide free visas to Chinese citizens starting August 14.

Addressing the media following a meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation, PM Sharif stressed the importance of the visit, describing it as a milestone in the bilateral relationship.

“China and Pakistan share an eternal bond of friendship,” he remarked, expressing pleasure at the ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

The premier highlighted several areas where Pakistan and China are poised to enhance collaboration, including investments in industry, agriculture, and economic zones.

He stressed that increased cooperation in the agricultural sector will enable Pakistan to export high-demand products to China, thereby meeting Chinese quality standards and expanding trade opportunities.

Sharif also underscored the potential for industrial cooperation, noting that transferring advanced industrial projects from China to Pakistan could be mutually beneficial.

“We are keen on joint ventures and corporations in China’s advanced industrial sectors,” he stated, outlining the strategic benefits of such partnerships.

The announcement of free visas follows recent security concerns involving Chinese citizens in Pakistan. Prime Minister Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals, referencing the tragic incident in Bisham where Chinese citizens were killed.

He assured that stringent measures have been implemented to secure Chinese investments and personnel across Pakistan. “We have taken strict action to address this issue and ensure that such incidents do not recur,” he said, pledging robust legal action against the perpetrators.

Mr Shehbaz's remarks came during a meeting with a 12-member Chinese delegation led by Wang Fukang. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers Syed Mohsin Naqvi, Ahsan Iqbal, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Khan Cheema, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, along with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong.

During the meeting, Sharif also reiterated his vision of transforming Pakistan’s economy by emulating the Chinese model, expressing confidence that with Chinese expertise, Pakistan will soon be on the path to economic progress.

“Our friendship is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the deep sea,” Sharif said, underscoring the profound and multifaceted nature of Pakistan-China relations.