Pakistan
Rs 70 commemorative coin issued on 70th anniversary of Pak-China ties
ISLAMABAD, June 10 (APP): Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said the time-tested relationship of Pakistan and China was flourishing with each passing day, unaffected by the vicissitudes of time and changes in the regional and global environment.
In his address at the issuance of commemorative coin in connection with celebrations marking 70 years of establishment of Pak-China diplomatic relations, the foreign minister said unrelenting efforts of the successive generations of people and the leadership of Pakistan and China had transformed the relationship into an ‘All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.’
The coin’s denomination has been kept at Rs 70, depicting the 70 years of all-weather, time-tested and brotherly relationship between Pakistan and China.
Governor State Bank of Pakistan Dr. Reza Baqir, China’s Ambassador Nong Rong and senior officials attended the ceremony.
The foreign minister said the relationship of Pakistan and China was unique in the world with the historic ties stretching over the span of millennia.
“Historically, academics, monks, travellers and traders frequently traversed the stretches of Trans-Karakorum tracts and laid the foundation of this fraternal bond,” he said.
Qureshi said Pakistan and China steadfastly supported each other on the issues of core interest.
He mentioned that Pakistan adhered to ‘One-China’ policy and supported China on issues such as Xinjiang, Hong Kong, South China Sea, Taiwan and Tibet.
He said China stood by Pakistan in supporting the key strategic, economic and developmental priorities.
“Maintaining its principled stance, China has unwaveringly supported Pakistan on the Jammu & Kashmir dispute,” he said.
On China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the foreign minister said the venture brought this relationship to new heights.
After the successful conclusion of its first phase, he said, CPEC had entered into second phase with focus on industrial cooperation, trade, agriculture and socio-economic development. Ground-breaking of Rashakai Special Economic Zone last month has the potential to spur industrialization and enhance our exportable surplus, he added.
The foreign minister said in the wake of emerging global and regional environment, Pakistan has recalibrated its priorities from geo-politics to geo-economics.
“China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), being the flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), complements Pakistan’s renewed efforts of geo-economic shift with emphasis on economic integration and regional connectivity,” he said.
He said for generations, Pakistan and China had had the fine tradition of standing by each other through thick and thin.
After the outbreak of COVID-19 in China and Pakistan, both countries extended material and moral support to each other in their respective efforts to contain the pandemic, he added.
On vaccine, he said the cooperation was also progressing very well as China gifted millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Pakistan. Pakistan is also procuring Chinese vaccine on commercial basis, he added.
“We remain grateful to the Chinese government and people for their steadfast support, which has been instrumental in saving precious lives in Pakistan,” he said.
Qureshi said Pakistan had robust engagement with China in economic and financial sectors. Second phase of China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA), signed during the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing in 2019, has been operationalized since 1st January 2020, he added.
He said the second phase of FTA had the potential to enhance Pakistan’s exports to China.
To facilitate financial transactions and arrangements, the he said, Pakistan also had Currency Swap Agreement with China.
He said both countries had robust cooperation in banking sectors as well besides Pakistani commercial banks had started operations in China. The State Bank of Pakistan, he said, as the regulator of the monetary and credit system of Pakistan, had a pivotal role in further deepening this relationship.
Governor SBP Dr. Reza Baqir said it was an honor for State Bank of Pakistan to be part of the tribute being paid by the government of Pakistan by issuing this commemorative coin to celebrate the diplomatic relationship of the two countries.
He said this was the fourth time SBP had issued a commemorative coin relating to Pak-China relations and recalled that earlier coins were issued on founding anniversary of People’s Republic of China, establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and on the occasion to mark Pakistan-China Year of Friendship.
Chinese ambassador Nong Rong said both the government and people of China loved their Pakistani brethren and desired to see the country making progress in every sphere of life.
He said both China and Pakistan shared same views on all-important international issues.
The coin shall be issued through the exchange counters of SBP Banking Services Corporation from June 11, 2021. The coin is in round shape milled with serrations on the edge, diameter of 30.00 mm, weight 13 grams and has Cupro-Nickel metal contents (Copper 75% & Nickel 25%).
| OBVERSE:The waxing crescent moon and five-pointed star facing North West in rising position is in the center on the obverse side of the coin. Along with periphery on the top of the crescent star is inscribed in the wording “ISLAMI JAMHORIA PAKISTAN” in Urdu script. Below the crescent and at the top of two springs of wheat with arms curved upward, there is the year of issuance 2021. The face value of the coin in numerical “70” in bold letters and RUPIA in Urdu script are written on the right and left sides of the crescent star respectively. | |
| REVERSE:On the reverse side of the coin, the logo is shown in the Center. The wording “70th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS” is written all along the periphery and “Pakistan Aur China” is written in Urdu script at the bottom of the logo. The years “1951 TO 2021” are depicted at the left and right side of the logo indicating the span of seventy years of diplomatic relations. |
The first coin of Rs.10 denomination was issued in October 2009 celebrating the auspicious occasion of 60th Anniversary of founding of Peoples Republic of China. The second coin of Rs.20 was issued in May 2011 to celebrate 60th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China as Year of Pak-China Friendship – 2011. The third coin was issued in 2015 to mark Pakistan-China Year of Friendly Exchange 2015.
Pakistan has achieved another proud milestone in its space journey with the successful launch of the PRSE-EO2 satellite into orbit. This achievement reflects Pakistan’s growing strength in science, technology, and national capability, proving that the country is steadily advancing in modern space development.
The PRSE-EO2 satellite is designed to support Pakistan in multiple critical areas, including earth observation, mapping, environmental monitoring, and national development planning. With this satellite in space, Pakistan will be able to improve its ability to collect accurate data for agriculture, water management, urban planning, disaster monitoring, and climate-related challenges.
This success is a strong reminder that space technology is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity for nations that want to grow in the modern world. Satellites play an important role in helping countries manage their resources, respond to natural disasters, and strengthen national security through better monitoring and planning.
The successful launch of PRSE-EO2 also sends a positive message to Pakistan’s youth. It shows that Pakistan has the talent and potential to compete in advanced fields such as aerospace engineering, satellite technology, and artificial intelligence-driven systems. Such achievements inspire young minds to pursue careers in science and innovation, strengthening the country’s future.
Pakistan’s progress in space technology is not only a matter of national pride but also a strategic step toward long-term development. As the world becomes more data-driven, satellite-based information will be a powerful tool for smarter governance and faster progress.
The launch of PRSE-EO2 proves one clear reality: Pakistan is not standing still. Pakistan is moving forward. And with each successful mission, the nation strengthens its position as a country capable of innovation, modern research, and high-tech achievement.
This moment is a victory for Pakistan’s scientists, engineers, and institutions—and a hopeful sign for the future of a stronger, smarter, and more advanced Pakistan.
Providing a sense of security to deserving families in Islamabad during cold nights
Islamabad: With a determination not to leave deserving and disadvantaged families and individuals alone in the severe cold of Islamabad, the “Social Cooperation Initiative” in collaboration with the “Zakat Foundation of America” distributed “Winter Relief Packages” among poor families and needy individuals. The aim of this campaign is to protect poor families and needy individuals from the harshness of the weather and provide them with a sense of security.
1- 50 widowed women residing in Jinnah Garden were provided with cold protection equipment so that they could face the harshness of the weather.
2- 20 members of the neglected section of the society, the transgender community, were also provided with relief packages.
3- 20 homeless people living a miserable life under bridges were directly reached out and provided with essential relief items.
4- In addition, 20 women residents of the Social Protection Women’s Center (8-H) were distributed blankets and quilts.
The relief package included warm shawls, blankets, socks, gloves, hats, and warm hoodies for adults and children.
On this occasion, the leadership of the “Social Cooperation Initiative” thanked the “Zakat Foundation of America” and said: “The winter season is a very difficult time for disadvantaged families and needy individuals. Our goal is to ensure that no deserving person is deprived of assistance. This campaign is not just about distributing goods, but also a commitment to serving humanity and social inclusion.
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