Over Rs34m flood-relief donations: Tarar reaffirms strength of Pak-China ties as enduring ‘iron brotherhood’

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Monday reaffirmed the strength of Pakistan–China relations as an enduring “iron brotherhood,” lauding Chinese enterprises for contributing over Rs 34 million in flood-relief donations for Pakistan, while stressing that China has consistently stood by the country through its most challenging moments.

Addressing a donation ceremony organized by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK), Tarar described China as Pakistan’s “second home,” underlining that Pakistan occupies a similarly special place for China. He said the bilateral relationship continued to deepen over time, supported by mutual trust, strategic cooperation, and strong people-to-people ties.

The minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese leadership and business community for their support during the 2025 floods, recalling that China had extended assistance to Pakistan on multiple occasions in times of crisis. He termed the Pakistan-China relationship unmatched, saying that the passage of time had further reinforced the two countries as true “iron brothers.”

Highlighting climate vulnerabilities, Tarar said Pakistan contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions yet remains among the world’s ten most climate-vulnerable countries. He said the recent floods were part of a broader climate crisis facing Pakistan, emphasizing the need for enhanced international cooperation and climate-related support.

The event, titled “Donation Ceremony for Flood Disaster in Pakistan 2025,” was held in Islamabad to acknowledge humanitarian contributions made by Chinese enterprises and individuals for flood-affected areas across the country.

Representatives from Chinese companies, Pakistani institutions, and the media attended the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Pakistan, Yang Guangyuan, appreciated the presence of the federal information minister, saying it demonstrated the importance accorded by the Government of Pakistan to the Chinese business community. He said China’s response to Pakistan’s flood emergency had been swift, recalling that Beijing had provided RMB 100 million worth of relief supplies along with an additional USD 2 million in cash assistance.

Yang said the more than Rs 34 million donated on the day had come primarily from Chinese companies and Chinese individuals working in Pakistan, reflecting the strong bond between the people of the two countries. He added that the spirit of standing “shoulder to shoulder” during difficult times remained central to Pakistan-China relations.

Referring to the broader diplomatic horizon, Yang said 2026 would mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, expressing confidence that joint efforts would continue to deliver tangible benefits to the Pakistani people.

Chairman of the CCCPK Wang Huihua said the 2025 monsoon floods, exacerbated by climate change, had caused widespread damage and displacement, prompting the chamber to launch a donation campaign in September. He said a total of 32 Chinese companies and individual donors had contributed over Rs 34 million for essential relief items, including food, drinking water, blankets, mosquito nets, and waterproof tarpaulins, as winter is approaching.