Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, during an event celebrating China’s National Day in Islamabad on Thursday, emphasized the importance of stability, policy consistency, and reform implementation for a nation’s progress, according to a press release on Friday.
The event, organized by China Global Television Network, showcased folk performances by cultural troupes from both Pakistan and China.
Minister Iqbal highlighted that Pakistan can benefit greatly by adopting China’s development model, emphasizing that peace, stable policies, and reforms are essential for growth.
He acknowledged China’s critical role in Pakistan’s development, noting that China was the only country willing to invest in Pakistan during difficult times. Numerous projects were launched under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.
Reflecting on China’s impressive progress, Iqbal praised the country for lifting 800 million people out of poverty within a few decades—a historic feat. He noted that China’s modernization occurred without sacrificing its cultural identity.
Iqbal highlighted that China’s development path—rooted in its unique approach—differed from Western models of democracy and capitalism. He suggested Pakistan could also chart its own course to prosperity, grounded in its cultural and historical context.
The minister expressed pride in his role in transforming CPEC from a mere idea into a $25 billion project within three years, which has significantly impacted Pakistan by generating electricity, modernizing infrastructure, and transforming Gwadar into a thriving port.
However, Iqbal warned against the risks of political instability and policy shifts. He explained how negative statements and scandals surrounding Chinese investments caused investors to divert their funds to other countries like Cambodia, impacting Pakistan’s economy and its youth.
In his concluding remarks, Iqbal called for rejecting the destructive narratives of those promoting chaos and urged for stable and consistent policies to ensure sustainable development.
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