Ahsan Iqbal expresses concern over protests amid CPEC Phase II launch

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal has voiced concerns over recent protests and sit-ins in the country, highlighting that these disruptions come at a crucial time as Pakistan embarks on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Speaking to the media on Sunday, Iqbal urged political parties to address national challenges collaboratively rather than engaging in protests and political rallies.

He stressed that Pakistan has been presented with a rare opportunity through CPEC Phase II. "China has once again extended a hand towards us, ready to invest in employment, energy, and regional connectivity projects in Pakistan," he stated.

However, he criticised certain groups for creating unrest and sabotaging these opportunities. "It is a strange coincidence that just as CPEC begins its second phase, some elements are actively working to drive away Chinese investors," Iqbal remarked.

He recalled that similar elements had incited violence and unrest in the past, and are now targeting Chinese investors to disrupt the ongoing economic collaboration.

The planning minister alleged that protests in Gwadar and other regions are being orchestrated to obstruct CPEC Phase II. He emphasised that no government desires to burden its citizens with inflation and high taxes, noting that the national economy is already strained under significant debt.

Iqbal also addressed the issue of electricity shortages, attributing part of the problem to currency devaluation. He highlighted that apart from four electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) — Gujranwala, Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Lahore — other DISCOs are involved in electricity theft.

He called on all provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to collaborate with the federal government to curb electricity theft. The minister warned that ongoing unrest could exacerbate economic difficulties. He criticised former prime minister Imran Khan for allegedly making baseless corruption allegations against China and for creating political turmoil.

He claimed Khan had filed cases against political opponents and jailed them, inciting public unrest and driving investors away from the country.