ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday lauded the pivotal role played by Chinese workers, engineers, and technicians in successfully completing the first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Speaking at a Chinese Spring Festival event hosted at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), Iqbal emphasized that CPEC Phase-I stands as a symbol of the enduring partnership between Pakistan and China. “This friendship, built on mutual trust, continues to strengthen with each passing day,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, the minister highlighted that CPEC’s second phase would focus on transformative sectors like agriculture, technology, and industrial growth through the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs). He also stressed the importance of developing Pakistan’s IT sector, equipping its youth with advanced technological skills, and encouraging private-sector investment in mining.
Iqbal announced that work on two landmark infrastructure projects – the Karakoram Highway Phase-II and the Pakistan Railways’ Main Line-I (ML-I) – will begin this year, further cementing the bilateral ties between Pakistan and China.
He reassured Chinese nationals in Pakistan of their safety and well-being, promising foolproof security measures. Sending a clear message to detractors, Iqbal asserted, “Attempts to undermine this partnership will fail.”
Iqbal concluded by likening the Pakistan-China relationship to a vibrant bouquet that continues to grow and spread its colors, fostering prosperity for both nations and the wider region.
