On February 16, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended warm greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China on the occasion of the Lunar New Year 2026, marking the Year of the Horse. In his message, he emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between Pakistan and China, referring to them as 'iron brothers' bound by an 'All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.' He stated, 'The Horse symbolizes energy, resilience, and speed—values that resonate deeply with our shared journey.' This sentiment was echoed across multiple sources, highlighting the significance of the occasion in reinforcing bilateral ties and fostering cooperation for mutual prosperity. The Prime Minister expressed hope that the new year would further strengthen their enduring friendship, stating, '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.'