PM Shehbaz Assures Security of Chinese Nationals Is Government’s Top Priority

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that the safety of Chinese nationals working in Pakistan remains the government’s top priority and assured Chinese investors that they will receive full protection.

Speaking at the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical Business-to-Business Conference in Islamabad, the prime minister welcomed the signing of nine agreements worth about $440 million between Pakistani and Chinese private companies in the pharmaceutical sector.

He said the agreements are an important step in strengthening economic ties between the two countries and advancing CPEC 2.0.

PM Shehbaz said China has always supported Pakistan during difficult times and has invested more than $30 billion under the first phase of CPEC.

He expressed hope that the new agreements would lead to practical projects, increase investment in medicine production, vaccines, research and development, and help Pakistan become a regional centre for exporting life-saving medicines.

“I think this will ultimately result in manufacturing life-saving medicines, vaccines, research and development and become a centre of excellence for exporting our wonderful products to neighbouring countries,” he said.

The prime minister congratulated Pakistani and Chinese business leaders and praised government officials and diplomats for helping make the conference successful.

He also highlighted Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace and said the country played an important mediating role during the recent regional crisis with the support of friendly countries, especially China.

PM Shehbaz appreciated the support of Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar for their contributions to diplomacy.

Earlier, the prime minister witnessed the signing of the $440 million pharmaceutical agreements between Pakistani and Chinese companies.