Mr. Li Qiang, the Prime Minister of China, is in Islamabad to attend the 23rd Meeting of the Council of Heads of Government of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.
Chinese PM Arrives in Islamabad After 11 Years. Prime Minister Li Qiang will attend the SCO Summit in Islamabad and sign several bilateral agreements post SCO Summit.
The highest level delegations of China were frequently in Islamabad during the initial phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), initiated in 2013. CPEC proved to be a new chapter in these relations, bringing about a revolutionary change in Pakistan’s economy. Under CPEC, over $ 25 billion investment came in Pakistan, 236,000 jobs were created, and Pakistan’s energy crisis was addressed, with 18 energy projects completed, adding 8,040 MW of production capacity.
CPEC has had a profound impact on Pakistan’s economy. Six major transport projects have been completed at a cost of $6.7 billion, including the 392 km long Multan-Sukkur Motorway, the 292 km Hakla-D.I. Khan Motorway, and an 820 km optical fiber network. Additionally, the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway project, valued at $6.8 billion, is set to revolutionize Pakistan’s transport system.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning and Development Mr. Ahsan Iqbal shared, “After a long span of 11 years, the arrival of His Excellency, the Prime Minister of China, Mr. Li Qiang in Pakistan marks yet another milestone.” He believes that this visit not only strengthens the long-standing friendship between Pakistan and China but also represents an important step towards the development and prosperity of the region.
“This SCO Summit opens new pathways for our shared future,” claims Mr. Iqbal.
Although, there were several critics of CPEC in Pakistan. Some reports also claim that the former PTI government did not pursue the CPEC projects with full zeal. However, the formation of PMLN government in February 2024 to negotiations on restructuring the CPEC project. Thus, Pakistan is now planning to launch CPEC Phase 2.0 with China.
CPEC Phase 2.0
CPEC Phase 2.0 is expected to opening new avenues of cooperation between Pakistan and China.
“This phase will take us to new heights of development through collaboration in sectors such as industrial and agriculture cooperation, information technology, socio-economic uplift and environmental sustainability,” claims Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Planning and Development.
The establishment of nine new Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across Pakistan during this phase will create over one million job opportunities. The Rashakai Economic Zone in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Gwadar Free Zone in Balochistan will usher in a new economic era.
Let us all renew our commitment to ensuring political stability and continuity of policy to keep this journey of hope moving forward. We firmly believe that this cooperation between Pakistan and China will herald a more prosperous and brighter future for our coming generations.
