ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday unanimously adopted a resolution marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and deepening engagement under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
The resolution was passed during a session chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.
As a Chinese delegation entered the visitors’ gallery, members of the House welcomed the guests by thumping desks. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq formally greeted the delegation, while Aseefa Bhutto Zardari personally welcomed members of the delegation and shook hands with them in the gallery.
Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry moved the resolution, which congratulated both countries on completing 75 years of diplomatic relations and appreciated continued cooperation under CPEC.
The resolution stated that the House welcomed the Chinese delegation and acknowledged joint efforts by Pakistan and China to strengthen strategic and economic relations. It added that the friendship between the two countries would grow even stronger in the coming decades.
Opposition Leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai told the House that political differences between the treasury and opposition benches had been set aside for the occasion.
He said the opposition ended its boycott to welcome the Chinese delegation, adding that Pakistan would never forget China’s support.
Following the proceedings held in honour of the visiting delegation, opposition members staged a walkout but refrained from raising slogans out of respect for the guests.
Members of the Chinese delegation expressed satisfaction over the reception and goodwill shown by Pakistani lawmakers.
Pakistan’s crude oil import bill exceeds $11 billion
During the question hour, the Petroleum Division informed the House that Pakistan’s crude oil import bill exceeded $11.19 billion during fiscal year 2024–25.
Officials said imported petroleum products accounted for 39 per cent of the country’s energy mix, while the energy sector contributed around 15 per cent to Pakistan’s total import bill, which surpassed $70 billion during the fiscal year.
National Assembly briefed on K-Electric dues and power supply
The Power Division also briefed lawmakers regarding K-Electric and developments in the power sector.
Officials informed the House that outstanding dues payable to K-Electric by the federal government currently stand at Rs372 billion.
Despite the pending payments, authorities said 2,000 megawatts of electricity were being supplied to the utility through the national grid.
The House was also informed that K-Electric’s installed generation capacity currently stands at around 2,400 megawatts.
Officials added that electricity supplied through the interconnection system had earlier been limited to 1,000 megawatts but had now been increased, with future plans to expand supply capacity to 3,000 megawatts.