Islamabad (TDI): Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has conveyed heartfelt felicitations to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the people of China, and Chinese communities around the world on the occasion of the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Horse.
The message, posted on his X account on Monday, underscored the enduring bilateral ties between the two countries and the significance of their strategic partnership.
In his New Year message, the premier began with the traditional Chinese greeting “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” which translates to “congratulations and may you prosper,” extending it to President Xi, the “brotherly people of China,” and the global Chinese diaspora.
Describing the Year of the Horse as a symbol of energy, resilience, and speed, PM Shehbaz said these qualities resonated deeply with the shared journey and mutual aspirations of Pakistan and China.
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
As we welcome the Chinese New Year 2026 – the Year of the Horse – I extend my heartfelt greetings to President Xi Jinping, the brotherly people of China, and to Chinese communities around the world.
The Horse symbolizes energy, resilience and speed – values that…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) February 16, 2026
He reiterated that the two nations are “iron brothers,” bound by an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership and a **shared vision of peace, development, and regional connectivity.”
The prime minister expressed hope that the new lunar year would further enhance the longstanding friendship between Islamabad and Beijing, deepening cooperation across diplomatic, economic, and cultural spheres to promote the prosperity of their peoples.
“The entire Pakistani nation joins me in wishing our Chinese brothers and sisters continued good health, success and forward momentum in the Year of the Horse,” he added, reflecting a sentiment that aligns with Islamabad’s consistent emphasis on strong Pakistan-China relations.
Read More: China’s Spring Festival Travel Rush Begins, Billions of Trips Expected
The message was issued as millions across China embark on the annual Spring Festival travel rush, known as Chunyun, widely regarded as the world’s largest human migration period.
This year’s festivities, with official holidays running from February 15 to 23, are expected to see a record 9.5 billion domestic trips, reflecting robust travel demand and growing confidence in China’s resurgent domestic mobility.
Pakistan and China have nurtured their bilateral relationship for decades, often describing it as an exemplary model of interstate cooperation.
Under successive leaderships, both countries have expanded their engagement across a range of strategic initiatives, most notably the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
