Federal Minister for Interior and Planning, Development and Reforms Dr Ahsan Iqbal said on Saturday the economy is in a take off position but some elements are trying to spread political chaos in the country. "Everyone must take a look at his own role and assess whether or not they are cause behind the political instability." The minister was talking to the media after addressing a conference titled 'CPEC-Myths and Realities' held under the aegis of Northern Regional Committee of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP).
Answering a question, Ahsan said any move to place Pakistan in the "grey list" by international community will be counter productive and undermine the extensive work Pakistan has carried out under the National Action Plan to thwart terrorism. He said West wants to pressurise Pakistan to achieve certain objectives that's why it is pushing to place the country on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
He showed his concern that such pressure tactics would impact Pakistan's efforts in the war against terrorism and would also affect the economy. Ahsan said they never criticised the judiciary, however "criticising court verdicts is our constitutional and legal right." Their party implemented the apex court verdict of disqualifying Nawaz Sharif, however "the merit of the verdict can be discussed." He added, "In the cases of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Justice Muneer, the verdict was acted upon but never accepted."
He further stated that he was upset when Nawaz was disqualified but he was also upset on the courts becoming controversial. The Exit Control List (ECL) should not be used as a political instrument. The decision of putting the name of Nawaz Sharif should be taken on merit. While responding to another question, Ahsan said Pakistani troops were sent to Saudi Arab according to the defense pact between the two countries and not to become a part of any war.
Earlier while addressing the seminar, Ahsan Iqbal said the global powers are now considering Pakistan an emerging economy as it has become one of the top five economies in the last five years. The minister said Pakistan has got the third opportunity to take off since its inception in the shape of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its investment. He said Pakistan's economy was taking off in 1960 but due to the 1965 war it suffered a lot.
The economic growth was stagnated at 3 percent when this government came into power. Last year, we achieved a growth rate of 5.3 percent and we are expecting it to reach the figure of 6 percent this year. Ahsan said the CPEC could play a key role for our economic progress and prosperity as it is a great gift from the Chinese government. "New roads, highways, railways, airports and Gwadar Port are to be built... Pakistan will be a major connecting link with various Asian economies."
He informed the audience that private investment of $5 billion came for Thar Coal Project which is the biggest ever CPEC private investment. He said the value of Thar Coal is equal to oil stocks of Saudi Arabia and Iran.