An eminent commemorative reception was held on Tuesday to mark the 98th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI (M), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), served as the chief guest. The event was hosted by Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong and Defence Attaché Major General Wang Zhong.
The gathering featured a prominent assembly of officials, including Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy Shi Yuanqiang, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Ullah Tarrar, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatami. Numerous other public figures alongside senior civilian and military officials were also in attendance.
Addresses were delivered by General Shamshad Mirza and Major General Wang Zhong. Their speeches underscored the PLA’s elevated military standing and its accomplishments in fostering peace and development, alongside the enduring Sino-Pak friendship and robust military-to-military cooperation.
In his remarks, Chairman JCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza extended profound felicitations to the people of China, its military leadership, and all ranks of the PLA. He commended the PLA’s pivotal role under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Xi Jinping in driving China’s remarkable development and rapid modernization. “This transformation has positioned the People’s Republic of China as a key pillar of peace, stability, and prosperity,” stated General Mirza, further highlighting China as “a stabilizing factor in the regional security dynamics.”
General Mirza emphasized the enduring and time-tested “Iron-clad brotherhood” between Pakistan and China, expressing a shared resolve to broaden and deepen this unique relationship across all domains. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the security of Chinese nationals working within Pakistan and to advancing collaboration on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He also stressed the importance of strengthening defence ties and promoting regional harmony and development.
The event celebrated the PLA’s evolution since its foundation on August 1, 1927, into a modern, professional military force renowned for its peaceful contributions to global affairs, establishing itself as a significant world force in promoting peace. Speakers noted that the strong bond between the armed forces of China and Pakistan has been a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship, particularly in fostering regional peace and stability. This reliable friendship and practical collaboration encompass joint exercises, personnel exchanges, training programs, equipment support, and counter-terrorism efforts.
