PM says CPEC-2 is Pakistan's last big chance

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned ministries and divisions of strict action for causing delays in executing over $8 billion worth of CPEC 2 projects.

Chairing a recent high-level meeting, the prime minister said that although the Pakistan-China B2B Conference was a tremendous success, agreements signed must be followed up meticulously by the concerned ministries to convert them into binding joint venture contracts, ensuring that Chinese investment materialises.

PM Sharif stressed that no complacency or undue delay would be tolerated, and unlike in the past, no project should be delayed. He said China had agreed to launch the CPEC 2.0 programme, which would focus on agriculture, Special Economic Zones, investment in mines and minerals, and the upgradation of the Karakoram Highway.

The premier cautioned that while China remained Pakistan's great friend and brother, this was the last opportunity to benefit from Chinese expertise and investment. He urged ministries to work wholeheartedly to ensure success, stressing that the government was answerable to the people and accountable for results. "History will never forgive us if we fail to take advantage of this opportunity," he said.

The PM highlighted his recent visit to China, where he attended the SCO Tianjin Summit 2025 and met President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other world leaders. He commended federal ministers, secretaries, SEPC, and officials for their role in organising the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Beijing on September 4, where MOUs worth $8.5 billion were signed.

The prime minister also pointed to recent MOUs with US-based companies in gemstones, mines, and minerals. He said these partnerships would bring technical expertise while reflecting growing Pakistan-US ties. He added Pakistan was pursuing good relations with the US without compromising its strategic partnership with China.