101 Friends of China is a Mega Strategic Think Tank of Pakistan. One of the objectives of the Pakistan Observer, as set by its founder, Mr. Zahid Malik (late) was to help promote Pak-China relations and to safeguard Chinese interests in Pakistan. However, it was felt that there was need to do more in this regard. We were keen to raise our voice louder. After a long process of consultations with those who matter with regard to Pakistan-China, it was ultimately decided in October 2014 that a strategic Think Tank may be formerd. It was decided that the number of the members of those who will be associated with the Think Tank will ultimately run into millions but as the number of those luminaries who were initially extensively interacted which rose to 101, therefore the title was conceived as “101 Friends of China”. A formal announcement in this regard was made by Mr. Zahid Malik, Editor-in-Chief, Pakistan Observer at a signing ceremony of an MOU between Pakistan Observer and Xinhua News Agency in Islamabad on 15 November 2014. The high profile event was participated by the Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and it was also addressed by the Chinese Ambassador H.E. Sung Weidong
From the platform of 101 Friends of China Mr. Zahid Malik started an online magazine “The Game Changer” to highlight the activities of the Think Tank for world-wide viewership, which is operational now and can be visited at: https//101friendsofchina.com/tgc/. The magazine’s main focus is on three topics i-e B&R, CPEC and AIIB
Vision of Mr. Zahid Malik
“We know the media has become an industry, but we still believe it is a mission also.
One of the objectives of the Pakistan Observer was to help promote Pak China relations because it was in the supreme national interest of the two countries”
(PAKISTAN OBSERVER: 4 NOVEMBER 1988)
Zahid Malik (Sitar-i-Imtiaz)
Founder: Pakistan Observer, 101 Friends of China, Nazriya Pakistan Council (Trust)
Mr. Zahid Malik (Late) strongly felt that there was a need to do more for consolidating and strenghtening the Pak-China relations. Therefore, after a long process of consultations with those who matter with regard to Pakistan-China ties, he ultimately decided in October 2014 that a multi-dimensional mega strategic think tank may be formed. It was decided that the number of members of those who will be associated with the Think Tank will ultimately run into millions but as the number of those luminaries who were initially extensively interacted which rose to 101, therefore the title was conceived as “101 Friends of China”. However a formal announcement in this regard was made by Mr. Zahid Malik (Late), Editor-in-Chief Pakistan Observer at a signing ceremony of an MoU between Pakistan Observer and Xinhua News Agency in Islamabad on 15 Novermber 2014. The high-profile event was addressed by the former Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, as well as by the former Chinese Ambassador H.E. Sun Weidong.
General (Retd) Ehsan Ul Haq, NI (M)
Former Chairman JCSC & Chairman 101 Friends of China
We in Pakistan view China as a reliable, and indispensable ally to maintain a strategic equilibrium viz India particularly in the context of the developing Indo-US strategic alliance, that categorically projects India as the net security provider in South Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.
Mr. Ahmad Farooq
Vice President, Former Secretary to the President of Pakistan
Together we stand Pakistan rejoices in China’s great success. We are heartened by its role in the promotion of peace and harmony in Asia and beyond. The multifaced friendship between our two countries has stood the test of time.
Mr. Faisal Zahid Malik
Editor-in-Chief, Pakistan Observer & Vice-Chairman 101 Friends of China
The world has been constantly in many ways, but in terms of Pak-China relations this partnership has emerged as time tested, multi-dimensional and unique as it has not onlt sustained the shifts in regional and international politics but it has also remained unaffected because of changes of governments and leaderships in both countries. Pak-China relations emerged out of regional strategic obligations that have always been considered as unique because it developed betweebn a strongest Islamic State Pakistan and a super-power China.
Dr. Shoaib Suddle
Secretary General Former IGP
A Common Vision and a Common Destiny. This is the Asian Century. Asia’s demographic potential and its incredible economic dynamism is matchless. Asia truly is becoming the global engine of growth with China being its real drive. China’s rise and its economic pre-eminence is creating a new, economically prosperous and vibrant Asia.
Sardar Mohammad Masood Khan
Former President of AJK, Ambassador of Pakistan to USA
Most importantly, when China launched its transcontinental enterprise – the Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) – it chose Pakistan for its flagship project named China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This project is laying the foundations for a resilient infrastructure including ports, airports, roads and railway lines.
Mr. Gauhar Zahid Malik
Executive Editor, Pakistan Observer, Executive Secretary 101 Friends of China, Executive Secretary Nazriya Pakistan Council & Chairman APNS Federal Capital Committee
People of Pakistan would never forget the pro-Pakistan policies of China especially the historic project of CPEC launched by President Xi Jinping under his visionary initiative “One Belt, One Road” that is progressing ahead despite opposition by some regional and global powers.
