ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, said on Sunday afternoon that China’s decision to invest US $25 billion in Pakistan in 2013 helped the country overcome severe power shortages.
The minister highlighted China’s pivotal role in revitalizing Pakistan’s economy through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) during challenging times. “This demonstrated their (China’s) trust and confidence in Pakistan’s potential. When China decided to invest $25 billion in Pakistan, it was 2013 — a time when we were experiencing 18-hour power shortages and frequent suicide bombings. It was then that they decided to come to Pakistan and support us,” he stated.
Iqbal noted that this confidence is reflected in the recent bullish performance of Pakistan’s stock exchange, which mirrors local investors’ faith in the government’s economic policies.
The minister emphasized that China views Pakistan as a strategic ally, with Chinese investors and the government maintaining strong confidence in Pakistan’s stability and future growth.
He reassured that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of Chinese nationals in Pakistan, with special security units and local law enforcement dedicated to their protection. –Agencies
