BEIJING: Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, hailed the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a shining example of friendship between the two nations. He emphasized the continuous growth in relations between Pakistan and China, likening it to a perpetual spring.
CPEC, launched in 2013 as a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has significantly boosted Pakistan’s economy, according to Iqbal. Speaking in Beijing, he expressed Pakistan’s commitment to further cooperation with China, particularly as CPEC enters its second phase.
Iqbal highlighted the positive impact of CPEC on Pakistan’s development landscape, job creation, and infrastructure connectivity. He mentioned that over two million jobs have been created, with workers gaining new skills and technology training.
Dismissing the notion of a debt trap, Iqbal praised China’s financing for Pakistan as highly attractive. He also noted that China’s vision for CPEC, outlined in five corridors, aligns well with Pakistan’s own development goals, particularly in export, energy, equity, digitalization, and environmental sustainability.
Acknowledging the need for Pakistan to embrace the digital revolution and green energy projects to combat climate change, Iqbal expressed hope for discussions with Chinese officials to chart the course for CPEC’s second phase.
Iqbal’s visit to Beijing marked the first high-level interaction between the two countries since Pakistan’s new government took office in March. He condemned terrorist attacks targeting CPEC projects, such as the Dasu attack in March, which claimed the lives of Chinese and Pakistani nationals. Iqbal labeled such attacks as efforts to disrupt the progress of CPEC and undermine the friendship between Pakistan and China.
Despite security challenges, Iqbal assured increased security measures for Chinese workers in Pakistan, including enhanced protocols and support from paramilitary forces and police. He emphasized Pakistan’s determination to thwart any attempts to derail CPEC and reiterated the commitment to the enduring friendship between the two countries.
—APP
