The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the former ruling party, strongly condemned Ahsan Iqbal’s recent remarks about China and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), deeming them as baffling and insulting. The PTI responded to the federal minister’s accusations against their previous government, stating that China had cautioned them against any disruptive actions before the 2018 general elections.
During an appearance on the TDTOP News program Jirga, the PML-N leader revealed that China had diplomatically advised the then-establishment to avoid any actions that could derail CPEC. Ahsan Iqbal later clarified on social media that his statement about China during the TV interview was taken out of context and required further explanation.
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed his disappointment and criticized the incumbent minister’s statement, deeming it unfortunate and irresponsible. Qureshi provided details about the completed CPEC projects during the PTI’s tenure, emphasizing their strong commitment to advancing CPEC under Imran Khan’s leadership. He mentioned the operational Faisalabad Rashakai Industrial zones, the under-construction Dhabaji Industrial zone, and the inclusion of three new joint working groups for science, technology, and agriculture in phase II of CPEC during their time in office. Qureshi also highlighted the completion of power plants and power generation projects, as well as the addition of transmission projects. Furthermore, he mentioned the construction of several highways, the finalization and acceleration of the Western alignment, and the expansion and operation of the Gwadar Industrial Zone as notable achievements of the former PTI-led government.