Islamabad: Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal issued statement offering clarification on his remarks concerning China and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf which he said was being taken “Out of context”.

“China maintains policy of non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries,” he stressed in tweet.

“Some senior businessmen working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects privately expressed opinion that fair and free election was in best interest of Pakistan to ensure continuity,” he revealed.

He added, “By March/April 2018 it had become abundantly clear and was being openly discussed in international media that establishment of that time did not want PML-N government to return and was helping PTI to come in power through interference in electoral process.”  “China in diplomatic manner had tried to convey [message] to then establishment to avoid any new experiment,” he said in reference to rise of power of PTI party in wake of 2018 polls.

He also revealed that then establishment had, however, assured Beijing that new government would not create obstacles to mega infrastructure and connectivity project.

He accused former ruling party of trying to make CPEC controversial. He said corruption allegations were leveled against project and Western media highlighted controversial statements made by PTI leaders.

Published in The Daily National Courier, July, 10 2023

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