National News

ISLAMABAD,(APP): Felicitating the nation on 65th
anniversary of Pak-China diplomatic relations, Federal Minister
for Planning, Development and Reforms Prof Ahsan Iqbal has said
that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework would not
only improve Pakistan’s economy but also strengthen its defence.
“The entire nation will have to play its role in the
implementation of this vital initiative by exhibiting a
complete unity and solidarity besides giving a message to the
world that Pakistan has now become a economically vibrant and
politically stable country,” he made these remarks in an
interview with APP here.
Ahsan Iqbal invited the foreign businessmen to come and invest
as there was complete political stability and conducive environment
for the foreign investment in Pakistan.
He said, Pak-China friendship had become a model for the
world, adding, “China has been supporting Pakistan unconditionally
in the last 65 years while Pakistan responded positively to its
time-tested friend at all the fora.”
Hence, Pak-China friendship was considered higher than
Himalayas, deeper than sea and sweeter than honey.
The Minister said, although both the countries were very close
on the political front but the present government after coming into
power, did transform this friendship into an economic partnership.
Pakistan, he said, had become number one country for the
Chinese investment in this region owing to CPEC initiative.
“The economic relations between the two countries are
progressing at a fast pace and owing to CPEC framework, these
relations are now touching new heights,” he added.
Ahsan Iqbal hoped that Pak-China friendship would help resolve
energy crisis and create employment opportunities besides connecting
the four provinces and remote areas.
He said, a new era would usher in after connecting China with
the Central Asia through Pakistan.
Responding to a question, he said, CPEC would not only change
geo-economic situation of this region but provide a key position to
Pakistan with regard to South Asia, Central Asia and China.
“With the improvement in economic situation, Pakistan would be
able to strengthen its defence capability. That iswhy, enemies of
the country are hatching conspiracies against this project of vital
importance,” he added.
To yet another query, he said, it was collective
responsibility of the political forces that only an economically
strong country could ensure its sovereignty
and respect in the comity of nations.
He said, it was high time to demonstrate unity and oneness
over country’s economy and political stability to make Pakistan an
Asian tiger.
“We should desist from political point-scoring as the
political stability is a key to attract foreign investment,”he
added.
He opined that without foreign investment, no country could
progress on its own resources.
Ahsan Iqbal said: “As a strong and democratic country, we
should give a message to the world that there is a strong democratic
system in Pakistan,particularly, the country has been progressing
economically for the last three years.”
He said, the images of protests and boycott by some political
parties, projected on world media,had put a bad impact on the
investment climate in the country.