Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi on Wednesday said that launched in 2013, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has renovated the socio-economic landscape of Pakistan, addressing a dire energy crisis and crumbling infrastructure. While speaking at 8th China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Media Forum in Islamabad, he said CPEC Media Forum holds significant personal importance for him as well.
In his keynote speech, Murtaza Solangi emphasised the transformative impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor during the auspicious year of 2023.
He appreciated the vital role of the media in shaping public perceptions of CPEC, urging objective reporting to counter propaganda and ensure accurate dissemination of information. Solangi highlighted CPEC’s role in addressing Pakistan’s socio economic challenges, generating jobs, and significantly contributing to economic growth.
He emphasised the need for accurate journalism to counter the fake news and called for unity in recognizing CPEC as a ‘transformative force that has reshaped the nation and provided hope for a brighter, more prosperous Pakistan’.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence and the Pakistan-China Institute characterised the Belt & Road Initiative as the paramount developmental and diplomatic initiative of the 21st century. Drawing attention to the substantial investment made by China, exceeding $1 trillion, across 3000 BRI projects globally, which has positively impacted over 40 million people by lifting them from poverty.
Senator Mushahid expressed optimism by asserting that the ‘best of CPEC is yet to come as CPEC is back on track now’ with focus Gwadar Port development, ML1 Railway project, revival of Special Economic Zones and major developments on Agriculture.
Notably, Senator Sayed drew an interesting comparison between the narratives & approaches of China and the United States, highlighting China’s commitment to modernization in contrast to the U.S.’s emphasis on militarization, marked by an expenditure of over $6.5 trillion in the so-called war on terror.
Emphasising China’s redirection of funds toward green development with a monumental $100 billion investment, he juxtaposed this with the U.S administration seeking military aid, totaling $104 billion for wars in Ukraine and Occupied Palestine.
He said both China and Pakistan stand fully with each other in solidarity with each other’s core interests.
Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, expressed his appreciation for the forum as a preeminent platform dedicated to promoting media cooperation & dispelling misinformation concerning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He said ‘some forces deliberately spread disinformation on BRI & CPEC’.
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong highlighted the consistent progress of China’s economy and its notable advancements in innovation. He reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Pakistan in safeguarding its core interests. Furthermore, Ambassador Zaidong conveyed his personal visit to Gwadar, where he inaugurated a desalination plant aimed at benefiting the local population. Additionally, he announced the forthcoming provision of 10,000 solar units to Gwadar, contributing to sustainable development in the region.
Khalil Hashmi, Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor during his address. He emphasised Pakistan’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with China and highlighted the enduring diplomatic and economic ties, focusing on people-to-people connectivity.
