Pakistan’s Deputy PM Dar leaves for China to bolster bilateral ties

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, departed Islamabad on Tuesday for a one-day official visit to Beijing at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The visit aims to review the state of bilateral relations and discuss regional and global issues of mutual interest, reflecting continued high-level engagement between the two countries.

Dar’s visit comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East following the ongoing conflict involving Iran, highlighting the importance of regional stability in discussions between Islamabad and Beijing.

Analysts say Pakistan is increasingly positioning itself as a bridge for dialogue on key geopolitical issues, including developments in Afghanistan, the Middle East, and broader Asia.

This marks Dar’s second visit to Beijing this year, signaling Islamabad’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its “all-weather strategic cooperative partnership” with China. The relationship has deepened significantly through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative aimed at boosting connectivity, energy security, and economic growth.

During the visit, both leaders are expected to exchange views on regional stability, trade, and cooperation, reflecting intensified diplomatic engagement amid shifting global alliances.

Officials emphasized that the trip underlines Pakistan’s continued commitment to maintaining close strategic ties with Beijing, despite Dar having sustained a minor shoulder fracture just a day before his departure.