Sifting myth from truth

Misconceptions are notoriously hard to crack even for an emerging power like China

Misconceptions are a notoriously hard nut to crack even for an emerging power like China. Addressing a misconception or several of them is the simple part; quelling it for good requires monumental patience and tenacity. For the second time in the last couple of weeks, an official representing China has had to shrug off the impression that Pakistan’s current economic woes could be traced to the massive China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project or burdened the country’s economy in any way. It is deeply troubling that our all-weather friend and neighbour is being constantly hassled on account of these mindless, hurtful and downright silly suggestions. As anyone with a rudimentary understanding of Pakistan affairs would know that Islamabad itself is the author of both the small and great tragedies and shocks that have befallen the country’s economy over the years. Such an admission on the part of the state is critical if we have to change the narrative around — and spare China the angst of dealing with persistent, infernal and patently untrue conceptions. Cold dry facts need to be poured over this line of thinking.

Our economic prospects are on the slow but sturdy boat of change, mending as it were the self-inflicted wounds of the past. By the time CPEC come onstream in 2023-24 Pakistan will witness a much higher growth trajectory and cope better with financial liabilities than it has. Once it gets past choppy seas, Pakistan must prepare to weigh down its anchor and moor itself permanently to the compulsions of economic development.

Pakistan must also be vigilant of any nefarious designs or plots against CPEC. The project’s detractors — many of them outright rivals of China — have repeatedly cast aspersions on the actual motives of China and counted it as the single biggest beneficiary of the regional connectivity projects. It is natural for a country making an investment to expect substantial returns. Should China be any different? Lest we forget there are more than sufficient gains for Pakistan. The energy projects to be undertaken in the initial phase of CPEC will bring rich dividends to Islamabad; Beijing will profit little from this venture.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2018.

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