Ahsan Iqbal proposes five political corridors with Chinese party
The first cohort of young leaders would begin exchanges next year, including training at China's Central Party School.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal proposed five political corridors between the Communist Party of China and Pakistani parties on Monday, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
Speaking at a symposium on Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building in Islamabad, Iqbal said Pakistan's political parties can learn from the Communist Party's focus on public service, self-reform, organisational discipline and long-term national planning.
He said Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz is committed to strengthening these principles within the country's democratic framework, and that national development plans must rise above electoral cycles.
Iqbal said the proposed political corridors would complement the five economic corridors under the URAAN Pakistan and CPEC 2.0 initiatives.
The political corridors cover strategic dialogue, governance and development learning, youth and leadership development, cultural connectivity, and regional peace and cooperation, he said.
He proposed reciprocal exchanges between young leaders of the Communist Party and Pakistani parties, starting with an initial cohort next year, including structured learning at China's Central Party School.
Iqbal also congratulated President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party on the conclusion of the Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee.
He said leadership is judged less by achievements during a leader's tenure than by the lasting institutions, policies and foundations it leaves for future generations.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, launched in 2015, is the flagship project of China's Belt and Road Initiative in Pakistan and includes energy, transport and infrastructure projects.
