(May 21st, 2008)

Excellency Luo Zhaohui, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China,

Members of the diplomatic corps,

Guests, ladies & Gentlemen:

It's my profound pleasure to be present among you at the inauguration of this highly absorbing and interesting photo exhibition, titled "Showcase of a New China". Indeed an informative and educative venture, this exhibition is surely a befitting tribute to the 57 years of the common trust, time-tested friendship and strategic partnership of our two countries. In the words of Chairman Mao, it's a friendship deeper than the oceans and taller than the Himalayas. I am, therefore, grateful to His Excellency the Ambassador for inviting me here.

Ladies & Gentlemen,

While we witness the marvels of progress in China, as depicted in these photographs, our thought go back to those Chinese brothers and sisters who braved the fatal shocks of the massive earthquake that hit our friends on May 12, 2008. On behalf of the National Assembly of Pakistan and on my personal behalf, I offer my heart-felt condolences to the Government and people of China o this tragic loss of life and property. Pakistan can never forget the help and support it received from China when a similar tragedy hit us on October 8, 2005. So let me assure you Excellency, that in this hour, we stand by you. We are most eager to offer our help in whatsoever manner your Government desires. The Government of Pakistan has already dispatched two aero planes of relief goods while the Pakistani NGOs are also cobbling up resources in this regard.

At the same time, we are also confident that the great Chinese nation will march out of this crisis with dignity and courage as has been the hallmark of the Chinese history. It is this proud tale of resilience that is best depicted in these photographs. In fact, "the Showcase of New China" tell us that this has been a journey from strength to strength; a motivating account of a nation's resolve to progress and prosper. It is thus, a path to be followed by other developing nations of the world.

I remember, as a child I was always mesmerized by the skill and proficiency of the Chinese acrobats. I grew up to be impressed by the expertise and professionalism of the Chinese engineers and technicians, who made the eighth wonder of the world possible in shape of the Karakorum Highway. As a student of world politics, I have always found wisdom in the thoughts and philosophy of the Chinese leadership and as a woman, nothing has inspired me more than the touch of the finest Chinese silk. Excellency, you can, therefore, well imagine, how much influence your great nation has on us, the Pakistanis.

Nevertheless. for the students of international diplomacy, the friendship between the two nations has much more to offer. In fact, this relationship represents a model for co-existence of two countries with different ideologies, political systems and cultural backgrounds. As Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto once very rightly put it, the relations between China and Pakistan have withstood the rigors of political weather because these are rooted in principles, in geography and in a common political understanding. Both countries have stood together as neighbors and friends in every crisis and at every change in the international and regional situations. Both are averse to foreign aggression and both have respect for each other's sovereignty. The last 57 years of our relations have, therefore, been a step by step development of confidence, mutual benefit, regional stability and inter-dependence for our common good. What is more, today, this strategic partnership is seen as a major factor of stability in the region.

I would like to reiterate here our deep concern on the politicization of Beijing Olympics. We are confident that these Games will be the most successful games ever held.

In the end, I once again thank the Ambassador for inviting me here and pray that the close cooperation and deep friendship between our two countries would further strengthen in the years to come. May your great Republic march towards progress and may it continue to play its destined role in the preservation and promotion of international peace.

I thank you all!

Pakistan Zindabad!

Pak China Friendship Zindabad!