Zardari Says Pakistan Needs Economic, Not Martial Mindset

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has called for an economic mindset instead of a martial one. Speaking in an interview with China Global Television Network during his visit to China, he praised the country’s rapid development. He emphasized that his visit showed goodwill and support from the Pakistani people. The president highlighted the long-standing “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” between Pakistan and China. He said both countries enjoy strong ties built on mutual respect.

President Zardari applauded China’s leadership in the region and praised President Xi Jinping’s Global Governance Initiative. He said the initiative promotes respect for sovereignty and peaceful cooperation. The president explained that global governance means respecting each other’s borders and rights. He stressed that nations must avoid interfering in each other’s internal matters. This principle, he noted, creates global harmony and fair relations.

While visiting Urumqi, Chengdu, and Shanghai, President Zardari admired China’s development and hospitality. He said Chinese love keeps bringing him back. He shared warm personal reflections from his 17 visits to the country. He also praised China’s achievements in solar, wind, and hydrogen energy. He said Pakistan seeks to learn from these successes. He added that both nations are “joined at the hip” through people-to-people connections.

The president highlighted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a vital strategic link. He said Pakistan’s location makes it China’s closest port partner. He explained that port development brings jobs, trade, and economic growth. Zardari stressed the need for safety in Balochistan to support this vision. He described CPEC as a futuristic project that benefits the entire region. Stronger cooperation, he said, will create shared prosperity.

Zardari also proposed a high-speed rail project between Karachi and Hyderabad. He said the train could cut travel time to 20 minutes. The Sindh government would fund 60% of the project, while China would support the rest. He emphasized that such projects show the strength of economic ties. Finally, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s global support for China. He said China deserves global respect for its progress, technology, and people.