Pakistan will launch its first think tank on China on Oct.1, the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, to promote, strengthen and expand Pakistan-China relations in different fields, the chairman of the Pakistan China Institute announced Thursday.

The Pakistan China Institute is the first non-governmental, non-party and non-political organization with equal number of experts, scholars and intellectuals from China and Pakistan, Chairman Mushahid Hussain said in a press briefing.

"Since there is complete unanimity within the Pakistan's political and social fabric on the need for deepening friendship between Pakistan and China, it is my pleasure to announce the establishment of the first Pakistani think tank," said Hussain, the former information minister.

"This think tank will work in key sectors of Pakistani state and society including political parties, civil society, educational institutions, opinion leaders, media and business community," he remarked.

The chairman said the Pakistan China Institute will conduct policy research on promoting Pakistan-China cooperation and bringing the two countries closer in the areas of security, trade, energy, education and culture.

"With its headquarters in Islamabad, the Pakistan-China Institute will explore ways and means to further strengthening the Sino-Pak ties since Pakistan-China relations are unique in international relations," he said.

Highlighting the key elements that make this relationship so special and so unique, Hussain said Pakistan and China have the longest depth of strategic relationship between any two countries and they have been solid and strong for the last 46 years, since 1963.

"Pakistan-China relations are friction-free, model relations between two neighbors, which are unequal in size, with different social systems. China has never interfered in Pakistan's internal affairs and it has always provided aid and assistance without any conditions or strings attached. Moreover, China has always stood by Pakistan in every conflict and crisis and China is Pakistan's all-weather friend," added the former minister.

Hussain further informed that The Pakistan China Institute will be formally inaugurated on Oct. 1 with a function at the International Islamic University, Islamabad and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui will attend the launching ceremony.

He said that the Pakistan China Institute will hold regular seminars and briefings on important developments pertaining to Pakistan-China relations and will also maintain an inter-active website.

Tabling his recommendations to the government for taking initiatives to cementing the Sino-Pak ties, the chairman presented a three-point strategy to the government.

"The government should establish an inter-ministerial and inter-provincial Special Task Force to implement in a speedy, coordinated manner the ongoing projects, initiatives and MOUs signed between the two governments," he said.

Hussain further advised the government to ensure full protection and security to nearly 10,000 Chinese workers, experts and technicians working in Chinese-aided projects in different parts of Pakistan.

(Xinhua News Agency September 18, 2009)

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