Soon there will an end to the baseless propaganda being spread out by the Western media, against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by China. Since the last several months, the Western media has been busy in spreading misinformation and misunderstandings on CPEC for Pakistan’s Ruling Party “Tehreek-e-Insaf” (PTI), Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, and Pakistan’s public. Imran Khan had once been the west’s heartthrob, they thought that Imran coming to power might be a golden opportunity to drive a wedge between Pakistan’s new government and the Chinese leadership. What they didn’t understand is that Imran is no longer the “Oxford Playboy” who can be wooed by false western hopes of cooperation and economic assistance etc. Sometimes they blame CPEC to be Beijing’s Debt-Trap, sometimes the Trade Imbalance and the influx of Chinese Work-Force in Pakistan etc. Unfortunately, the West has also used local journalists in Pakistan to propagate this venomous propaganda on their behalf. Again at the cost of repetition, all of their dreams will get crushed after Imran Khan’s visit to China from 2nd to 5th November 2018.
After each change of leadership in Beijing or Islamabad, mutual visits by both the leaderships is a very normal procedure amongst the two brotherly countries. Almost all of Prime Ministers and Presidents of Pakistan have been to China in the 7 decades history of Pakistan. Similarly, almost all leaders of China have visited Pakistan, because China is one of the friendliest countries to Pakistan. We enjoy a unique and pure friendship with China, It is higher than mountains, deeper than oceans, sweeter than honey, and stronger than steel. We are true “Iron Brothers”.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of both countries is busy in finalizing the nitty-gritty of the visit. The composition of the visiting delegation, meeting between the two leaderships, important personalities to meet the PM Imran Khan, various agendas and MoUs, all are being given the final touches. It is expected to be a very smooth and fruitful visit. A warm welcome is expected for Imran Khan. Chinese hospitality is famous but for their special guest, like Imran Khan, it will be unique. He is expected to meet President Xi Jinping as well as Premier Li Keqiang.
China-Pakistan relations are based on strong footings and deep understanding. We know each other very well and understand each other’s needs. We believe in real brother-hood and do not believe in much publicity. We support each other and complement each other in international and regional issues. We support each other on all issues either domestic, regional or international. We possess identical views on almost all international issues. This visit will bring more good news for Pakistan, especially on the economic front.
Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the chief guest at the Shanghai Import Expo. A 75-member strong delegation of businessmen will also attend the Shanghai Expo. It is the first time that China is holding a devoted Import Expo and intends to increase its imports and make it more competitive. It will be a great opportunity for Pakistan to avail this platform and increase its exports to China. China had already shown flexibility and more friendly policy to help Pakistan to boost its export to China. It will help to narrow down the trade gap between the two countries. Imran Khan’s initiative of “Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme” is also supposed to attract Chinese investment into Pakistan’s affordable housing industry. The government support, clean and honest leadership and market demand makes the project a very lucrative project for investment.
Although the visit of PM Imran Khan will be very brief but expected to be very useful as next five year’s roadmap will be designed and by implementing the decision of this visit, Pakistan will boost its economy. CPECs development after the visit will be faster than before and much more coordinated than before. The understanding developed between the two leaders will have long-lasting impact and far-reaching implications, especially on the crisis-hit economy of Pakistan.
