ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform, Ahsan Iqbal has strongly condemned Imran Khan's statement against Chinese development assistance to Pakistan under "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" and demanded an immediate apology from him.
The Minister, who also heads China Pakistan Economic Corridor Joint Coordination Committee from Pakistani side, said "Pakistan and China are closest friends and enjoy time tested all weather friendship."
In a statement issued on Saturday, he said "at a time when international investors were shying away from Pakistan due to security environment in the region, decision of Chinese and Pakistani leadership during PM Nawaz Sharif's visit to Beijing in July 13 to take Pak-China relations to new heights in economic field through China Pakistan Economic Corridor Project, is a milestone."
The most critical energy and infrastructure sectors related projects will infuse new life into Pakistan's economy, he added.
The Minister said the commitment of Chinese government to help Pakistan overcome its energy shortages through energy projects is a proof that 'friend in need is friend indeed.'
He said these included 10,400 MW coal, hydel, solar, and wind based energy projects.
He said early harvest projects are in IPP mode as investment projects.
He rejected Imran Khan's assertion that these projects are being financed through borrowing.
Ahsan Iqbal said "these projects are coming under energy policy which is open for all investors from any part of the world. Hence the assertion that expensive contracts have been signed with China is baseless and mala fide."
He said, "It is not expected from a leader of the stature of Mr Khan, whose party is ruling KPK province that he would show such immaturity and irresponsibility."
He said Mr Khan had alleged that these loans are being taken at 7% interest, which is incorrect as these projects are not loans but coming as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.
The Minister said "Today there is a mad race among all countries to attract maximum FDI for higher growth rates. Energy Projects with Chinese assistance are a source of oxygen for our economy, which will not only push growth rate of economy upwards by solving energy crisis but also help create millions of new jobs."
He said that Mr Khan's allegations of getting kickbacks and commission is shameful act on his part. Khan owes an apology to people for making such irresponsible statements and allegations, he added.
"His untimely and undemocratic tactics in the capital caused postponement of Chinese President's visit to Pakistan and now he is making China Pakistan Projects controversial. People of Pakistan want to know whose agenda is he following?"
He said, "Pakistan and China are bound in strongest bond of friendship, which is beyond political divide, and people of Pakistan are indebted to Chinese leadership for showing strong commitment to help Pakistan overcome energy crisis.
President of China, Xi Jinping, who is a great friend of Pakistan, will soon visit Pakistan," he said.
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