Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) transformed Pakistan’s economic landscape at a time when the country was facing severe energy shortages, crediting China’s unwavering support as a defining feature of the bilateral partnership.
In an exclusive interview with Pakistan TV head Adil Shahzeb in Beijing aired on current affairs programme ‘Beyond Borders’, Ahsan Iqbal said the first phase of CPEC directly benefited ordinary Pakistanis by addressing crippling electricity shortages that had paralysed economic and social life across the country.'
He said China’s investment of around $25 billion in energy and infrastructure projects helped add nearly 8,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid, benefiting hospitals, schools, factories and households nationwide.
Recalling the launch of CPEC in 2013, he described it as an unprecedented economic partnership that rapidly moved from “a piece of paper” to major on-ground development projects within just three years.
Iqbal also spoke about what he termed an “organised campaign” against CPEC during its early years, saying the government countered misinformation through public engagement and fact-based communication. He said consensus among all provinces eventually helped accelerate the project’s progress.
Discussing CPEC 2.0, the minister said the new phase places greater emphasis on livelihoods, poverty alleviation and human resource development through what he called the “corridor of livelihoods”, aimed at creating opportunities for ordinary citizens and improving education and skills development.
Turning to regional diplomacy, Ahsan Iqbal said Pakistan’s role in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran had earned global appreciation, including from Chinese leadership.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir played an important role in bringing both sides to the negotiation table after decades of hostility.
According to the minister, the easing of tensions prevented further disruption to the global economy and rising fuel prices. He expressed hope that a resolution could be achieved soon, stressing that prolonged conflict would hurt poor populations worldwide through inflation and economic instability.
Speaking during celebrations marking the 75th anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations in Beijing, Iqbal described the relationship as an “Iron Brotherhood” built on “unbreakable trust”, saying both countries had never witnessed an “autumn” in bilateral ties throughout their diplomatic history.
