Chinese envoy
ISLAMABAD: Chinese envoy, Charge d’Affaires Pang Chunxue said the Pakistani government is actively facilitating foreign investment. It will play a vital role in the country’s development.
Chinese envoy stated this in a private TV channel’s current affairs programme.
Pang Chunxue mentioned that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has entered its second phase.
She explained, “The first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor focused on infrastructure development. Now, we are directing our efforts toward promoting agriculture, IT, and industries in the second phase.”
The CPEC, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, has been hailed as a “game changer” by Pakistani leaders. Over the past several years, Pakistan has offered the benefits of the corridor project to other friendly countries.
The first phase of the CPEC involved the construction of roads and the establishment of various economic zones in different parts of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, former Ambassador to China Masood Khalid said that Chinese investors had expressed interest in establishing industries in Pakistan. He, however, pointed out that Chinese had to face obstacles.
He noted that there was a desire to resolve issues through dialogue with Chinese partners. Former Ambassador emphasized that security is paramount for the success of CPEC. He added that complete security measures are in place for CPEC projects.
Moreover, Interim Federal Minister Jamal Shah said that economic progress remained a central focus during cabinet meetings.
He alleged that the 2014 sit-in was staged to obstruct CPEC. It led to the postponement of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit. He emphasized that CPEC would usher in economic progress in Pakistan.
France’s abaya ban condemned
Meanwhile, The US Commission on International Religious Freedom has criticized France’s ban on schoolgirls wearing abayas. It stated that the restriction on these long, flowing dresses was intended to “intimidate” the Muslim minority.
The commission, responsible for providing recommendations to the US government (though not setting policy itself), issued this statement.
Abraham Cooper, the commission’s chair, characterized the abaya ban as a “misguided effort to promote the French value of laicite,” which is the country’s official secularism.
