China’s massive investments boosted Pakistan’s progress: Ahsan Iqbal

Gwadar Pro

Islamabad: Pakistani Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that China’s decision to invest US $ 25 billion in Pakistan in 2013 had brought Pakistan out of 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, this is in 2013, when we had 18 hours of power shortages and frequent suicide bombings at that time they decided to come to Pakistan and support Pakistan,” he maintained in a statement.

Iqbal said this confidence is mirrored in the recent bullish performance of Pakistan’s stock exchange, reflecting local investors’ faith in the government’s economic direction.

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.

Addressing security concerns, Iqbal acknowledged that terrorism remains a persistent threat, but he stressed that such cowardly acts would not deter China from continuing with CPEC.

He further mentioned that while Pakistan is open to Afghanistan’s inclusion in Chinese-funded mega-development projects, it urges Beijing to persuade Kabul to tackle terrorist groups operating within its borders.