The Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Shanghai hosted a reception on March 23 to commemorate Pakistan National Day, drawing attendance from Pakistani expatriates and representatives from Chinese enterprises.

"This day holds immense significance for us as it marks the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, a historic moment that laid the foundation for the creation of Pakistan," Consul General Shehzad Ahmad Khan said in his address to the gathering.

The Consul General particularly emphasized the extraordinary relationship between China and Pakistan, often described as "higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, and sweeter than honey". He highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, as a prime example of bilateral cooperation that has transformed Pakistan's infrastructure and energy landscape.

Speaking about Shanghai's role in strengthening bilateral ties, Khan identified numerous opportunities for collaboration in trade, technology and cultural exchanges. "In Shanghai, a global hub of innovation and commerce, we see immense potential for further strengthening of Pakistan-China ties," he noted.

The diplomat also praised the growing Pakistani community in Shanghai for their contributions to the city's cultural and economic development.

The celebration highlighted the increased people-to-people exchanges between the two nations and the rise in Chinese visitors exploring Pakistan's landscapes, history and culture.

"As the Consul General of Pakistan to Shanghai, I am committed to implementing the consensus reached between our leaderships to fortify strategic trust between our two countries, strengthen our ties across multiple domains, and build an even stronger China-Pakistan community of shared future in the new era," Khan said.