Pakistan

Investment from China not a loan, PM clarifies

Says PML-N's victory in cantonment elections is great for the party

Web Desk April 29, 2015

PHOTO: AFP

LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif clarified on Wednesday that the recent investment from China was not a loan.

"This is not a long-term grant or a loan. It is all for investment purposes which will benefit the country as a whole," the premier told media persons from London.

Read: Investing with confidence: Chinese say their money is safe in Pakistan

On his visit to Pakistan last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched energy and infrastructure projects worth $46 billion.

The prime minister expressed gratitude for the investment into the country and reiterated the importance of the country's relationship with China.

"Roads will be built, there is a lot of development in Gwadar and the country as a whole will reap the benefits of these projects," he said.

Read: Pakistan high on Chinese diplomatic agenda: Xi Jinping

Commenting on the recent death of prominent rights activist Sabeen Mahmud, PM Nawaz was adamant that every effort was being made to find the culprits behind her murder.

"Every effort is being made to investigate the incident and God willing, the culprits will be found and brought to justice," he said.

Read: Investigators draw blank in Sabeen Mahmud murder case

Further, the premier mentioned Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) success in the recent cantonment elections. Unofficial results revealed that PML-N had bagged 68 out of the 199 seats in the elections which were held across the country on Saturday.

Read: PML-N leads Cantonment Board Elections: unofficial results

"This win was great for PML-N", the prime minister said adding that "such a win in the general elections would also be great for the party."

When questioned on the alleged rigging in the 2013 elections and the judicial commission's probe, the premier said that the evidence regarding rigging is present in the ballot bags.

"They wanted to open the bags and they did. In Lahore, our votes in fact increased," PM Nawaz said.

Read: London visit: Pakistan's economy turning around, says PM

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is in London on an official visit during which he is set to discuss the emerging issue in the Middle East with his British counterpart, David Cameron.

COMMENTS (12)

Ch. Allah Daad | 9 years ago | Reply Mian Nawaz Sharif is my leader but my country is more important to me. I wish this was a loan or Pakistanis would build this economic corridor by themselves. Foreign investment is not a bad thing but this type of investment in which huge areas of Pakistan would become under direct control of China will turn Pakistan into a subservient state. Chinese will invest, build, secure, manage and charge as per their rules. Is this foreign investment or foreign occupation? Mian Sahib owe us an explanation.

Humza | 9 years ago | Reply @Anarchist: Perhaps you need to ask yourself why things are improving in Pakistan after so many years. You don't want to give credit where it is due but the rest of us can appreciate the good work the PM has done. I can imagine that no matter what he does, haters will keep on hating.

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Rakhi | 9 years ago | Reply NS is the leader we need to lead us to prosperity. Good job NS.

Rex Minor | 9 years ago | Reply @pakistani: The 'anarchist' wants nothing more than anarchy! Rex Minor

Anarchist | 9 years ago | Reply @pakistani: Thanks for getting it. 7 N followers did not get it. I mean whatever NS is, he is not honest. Can someone from N please rebutt my argument i.e. NS is not honest?

pakistani | 9 years ago | Reply @Anarchist: lol. was that a joke?

Mohammed | 9 years ago | Reply Please PM explain again how you amassed a billion dollar fortune in the UK without money laundering?

Rex Minor | 9 years ago | Reply The guy has a real problem explaining to his people that Investments aree not not loans, but equaly t.hey are not give aways as it is being percieved because of Governments several statements. Rex Minor

Asim Ali | 9 years ago | Reply Seriously? How come most people who read this newspaper, do not believe a word you or your ministers speak? This country needs to be cleansed of the entire political leadership if this country is to make any progress

Noor Norani | 9 years ago | Reply No leader has suffered more and sacrified more for Pakistan than NS.

AsR | 9 years ago | Reply One of the prime feature of the current government is the development projects spreading from Gawadar to Gilgit, all over the country. Although some opposition parties purposely do not mention the projects like Bhasha dam, Dasu, two nuclear power plants in Karachi, Thar coal plants, motorways in Balochistan etc.

Anarchist | 9 years ago | Reply One of the greatest statesmen in global history. Political genius. Brave like a lion. The most honest and articulate politician in Pakistan. A man for all seasons and known for principles, regardless of consequences. Pakistan is nothing without this man. We salute you, our leader.

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