Top academics, analysts hail PM Imran’s visit to China, term it successful

Shahid Amin (Former Ambassador): The visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China was very successful and will have fruitful outcomes. The leadership of both China and Pakistan agreed to strengthen institutional links at all levels, bolstering mutual strategic, diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries. Both the leaders also agreed to fast track the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that eliminates the rumors that Beijing is not satisfied with the progress of the mega project. The Prime Minister welcomed increased Chinese investments in the second phase of CPEC. New job opportunities will be created and exports will get a boost. The infrastructure is working well under CPEC in the country. The railway track from Karachi to Peshawar will be a top priority in the second phase of CPEC. China is a success story for the world in terms of its economic development. The visit of the Prime Minister to China at a time when the United States and its allies boycotted the Olympics shows that Pakistan always stands with China.

Mirza Ikhtiyar Baig (Economist): The visit of Prime Minister Imran Khan to China is of key importance as both the countries agreed to boost the second phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor. Special Economic Zones will be established in the second phase of this mega project. The successful visit has quashed any rumors regarding delay in the progress of CPEC. Prime Minister’s high-level meetings with Chinese officials prove that CPEC is the main priority of the government. The two leaders appreciated the finalization of a number of agreements and MoUs in the fields of trade, infrastructure, industrial development, agriculture, science and technology and socio-economic well-being of people. The Chinese businessmen showed a keen interest in making investments in Pakistan in projects related to recycling of metal and paper, energy, textile, fiber-optic networks, housing, dairy and water management.

Dr. A. Z. Hilali (IR Expert): The South Asian region has become the center of interest for all the world powers, including the United States, China and Russia. The initiation of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor in the region has gained attention of the entire world. This mega project is going to change the destiny of the world. China through economic development is gradually eliminating the dependency of the regional countries on Europe and West. Pakistan is very much committed to complete the development projects under CPEC within specified time. We hope that with the support of China in economic development, Pakistan would be able to compete with India. Pakistan is lucky to have long term friends like China and Saudi Arabia. It is a good development that the Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif is on a visit to Pakistan to discuss regional issues, including the security challenges. Pakistan is enjoying strong friendly relations with both these countries. China and Saudi Arabia want to see Pakistan economically developed. Both countries have always supported the narrative of Pakistan on regional issues.

 Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert):  Pak–Saudi relations are exclusive, cordial, and strategic. While Pakistanis have a special regard for the kingdom due to its position as the custodian of Islam’s holiest cities, political, economic and military ties are also robust. Saudi Arabia has always supported Pakistan in difficult times. On the special request of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Saudi Arabia has released a number of Pakistani prisoners incarcerated in Saudi jails. More News Analysts term Prime Minister’s visit to China as highly successful in boosting bilateral ties Analysts praise Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to Kashmir cause Prime Minister’s visit to China will reinvigorate CPEC, boost bilateral ties: Analysts Analysts express hope that PM Imran Khan’s China visit will reinforce strategic ties Analysts hope Prime Minister’s upcoming visit will further cement Pak, China relations Analysts hail pro-poor and economic friendly policies of PTI-led government Analysts welcome Canadian Prime Minister’s calling for an end to hatred against Muslims Analysts hail robust and deep rooted Pak-China relations in diverse fields Pakistan’s National Security Policy envisions a prosperous Afghanistan for regional peace: Analysts Analysts laud PTI-led government’s devise pragmatic National Security policy to ensure non-traditional security of the citizens