ISLAMABAD, Sept.23 (INP): Prime Minister Imran Khan wants to take Pakistan-China ties to new heights as he is entering into the third year of his five-year term, Gwadar Pro reported on Wednesday, quoting official sources. According to the sources, cooperation with China was the top priority. "There is not a single day when China is not discussed in a positive way. China is part of the daily business. For the PM, the ministers and the bureaucrats (China is very important)," said one official. He said PM Khan was especially impressed by China's success in alleviating poverty within a short span of time. "Whenever a minister goes to china, the PM specially directs him to learn from the great friend. He thinks Pakistan is lucky to have china by its side," the official said, citing the PM's meetings. This week, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Pakistan had a lot to learn from China as far as economic development and poverty alleviation was concerned. During talks with outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing who was paying a farewell call on the prime minister on Tuesday, PM Khan credited the Chinese leadership in China's socio-economic transformation. He was thankful to China for supporting Pakistan's development and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with numerous projects will upgrade Pakistan's infrastructure and strengthen its economy. PM Khan expressed confidence that the project will play a key role in promoting regional growth and prosperity. Another close aide of the PM told Gwadar Pro that Imran Khan had already termed China as the future of Pakistan. "The PM himself believes our future is linked with China. By this the PM means the CPEC, the bilateral cooperation, and the brotherhood," he said. Commenting on the Pakistan-China friendship, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhary said, "despite all the challenges, Pakistan has successfully completed first phase of CPEC and has entered into the second phase. The second phase also involves economic zones, which will increase economic activities and generate massive job opportunities in Pakistan," he added. International relations expert Dr. Amna Mehmood said Pakistan and China had always affirmed their commitment to continue cooperation with each other in the current political scenario of the world. INP/javed