Islamabad: The Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) hosted a significant seminar on China’s People-Centric Governance System, examining its successes and implications for developing nations. The event aimed to explore how China’s governance model, which prioritizes citizen welfare, could be a useful reference for countries facing developmental challenges. The event drew eminent speakers, Miss Romina Khurshid Alam, SAPM and Chairperson of Pakistan-China Parliamentary Friendship Group as the Chief guest; Mr. Shi Yuanqiang, Deputy Ambassador of China, Ambassador Moin ul Haque former, Ambassador of Pakistan to China; Professor Zhou-Rong Professor at the Renmin University, Dr Syed Kaleem Imam, Former IG; Dr. Sajid Amin, Deputy Executive Director SDPI. Shakeel Ahmed Ramay , Director of AIERD moderated the session.
Ambassador Jauhar Saleem, President IRS, emphasized China’s success in lifting 800 million people out of poverty through policies aimed at shared prosperity. He attributed this achievement to systematic meritocracy, political stability, and interstate economic cooperation.
Former Ambassador Moin-ul-Haque countered Western media narratives of Chinese authoritarianism, presenting China as the world’s largest democracy rooted in Confucian values. He praised China’s initiatives to educate farmers in modern agricultural practices as an example of its people-first approach.
Professor Zhou-Rong of Renmin University highlighted China’s deep connection with its citizens, which underpins the government’s civil engagement and promotion of national development. Dr. Syed Kaleem Imam noted that transparency and efficiency were key elements of both Chinese and Pakistani governance models.
Dr. Sajid Amin stressed the need for Pakistan to prioritize its economy, address regional disparities, and invest in human capital. He noted that learning from China’s governance model could help Pakistan tackle its socio-economic challenges.
Deputy Ambassador Shi Yuanqiang emphasized that China’s governance model seeks to unite all people for shared prosperity. He underscored the role of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in benefiting the populations of both nations.
The Chief Guest, SAPM Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, who also chairs the Pakistan- China Parliamentary Friendship Group, while emphasising on people-centric governance stated that China presents a great example for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She felt that Pakistan can address its socio-economic problems if it can learn from China’s experience. Empowerment of people and women’s participation in economy was a balanced approach by China to development, which should be replicated in other developing countries. A people-centric approach was also vital for building regional cooperation.
