ISLAMABAD – Lijian Zhao, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) and MinisterCounsellor at Chinese Embassy, has clarified that the idea of multi-billiondollars China Pakistan Economic Corridor was initiated by former PresidentAsif Ali Zardari who introduced the prime minister in waiting to Premier Lito discuss the idea.
Addressing a seminar titled CPEC & Role of Media – Separating Facts fromMisconceptions, Zhao said the success of all CPEC projects is based ontransparency to minimise corruption.
In a tweet, the official endorsed his comments, reiterating that AsifZardari was behind the project that links the South-Asian states.
“The CPEC is a national project of Pakistan and it is a part of One BeltOne Road initiative,” Zhao shared.
The Chinese official also negated the rumours that Chinese prisoners wereemployed in various CPEC projects across Pakistan, highlighting that thisproject contributes to promoting Pakistan-China connectivity and willcement the ties between the two countries.
Zhao said the foremost thing was scientific planning after which a step bystep implementation is required.
‘Consensus has been built through consultation which will eventually givemultiple benefits resulting in a win-win situation, while insurance ofquality and safety is another aspect,’ he added.
The diplomat highlighted that government’s guidance and operation will berequired on every stage.
On the occasion, Information Minister Barrister Ali Zafar recalled thatfirst airline that landed in China from non-communist countries was that ofPakistan International Airlines (PIA).
Zafar explained that Pakistan began a friendship with China despite theopposition by the international community which was divided into easternand western blocks.
The minister lavished praise on Pakistan’s all-weather friend and sharedthat whenever Pakistan had a problem or issue, it looked forward to Chinawhich always supported Pakistan in its hour of need.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the project of economiccooperation and an example of the friendship of two countries, he concluded.
Meanwhile, Dr Ishrat Husain, former Governor State Bank of Pakistan, andIkram Sehgal, member World Economic Forum, highlighted the importance ofCPEC.
To a query whether the lack of transparency and corruption in Pakistancould hit the CPEC projects, Sehgal replied that it depends on the outcomeof July elections.
The comments of Chinese diplomat must have surprised the political analystsand Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz, which has been taking the credit forbringing in billions of dollars under the banner of CPEC.
There have been multiple claimants to the project which has been termed‘Game changer’ for Pakistan. Not only Zardari, former president Musharrafalso claims having played a pivotal part for the corridor thatconnects China’s Kashgar in Xinjiang with Gwadar port in Pakistan’sBalochistan.