ISLAMABAD,Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage, and Culture, Attaullah Tarar, expressed deep gratitude to China for its pivotal role in helping Pakistan overcome its severe energy crisis during the early 2010s.
Speaking at a ceremony hosted by the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan, Tarar highlighted the enduring friendship between the two nations, describing it as a bond passed down through generations. He noted the emotional connection between the people of Pakistan and China, emphasizing that their relationship had withstood many challenges and remained unbreakable.
The minister praised the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a symbol of the close partnership between the two countries, benefiting not only Pakistan and China but also the broader region. He specifically mentioned China’s contributions to Pakistan’s energy sector, including projects like the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, Thar Coal Project, and Karachi Port Energy Project, all launched under CPEC.
Tarar recalled that in 2013, Pakistan faced daily power outages lasting up to 19 hours. However, China’s investment in energy projects—spanning nuclear, coal, hydro, and solar power—enabled Pakistan to restructure its energy sector and overcome the crisis. He credited China’s technological innovations and diversification efforts for this success, which helped stabilize Pakistan’s economy, leading to a 5.8% GDP growth rate and 4% inflation in 2018.
Looking ahead, Tarar spoke about the strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, particularly as they enter the second phase of CPEC. He highlighted the positive discussions held during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China, expressing optimism that Phase II of CPEC, focused on business-to-business cooperation, would be a game-changer for the region.
The minister thanked Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, Chinese leadership, and Chinese companies for their contributions to Pakistan’s recovery from the energy crisis and their role in boosting the country’s economic growth and job creation. He expressed pride in speaking on the eve of the Chinese Prime Minister’s historic visit to Pakistan, calling it a moment of celebration for the Pakistani people.
Tarar concluded by reaffirming that with China’s support, Pakistan has proven its ability to overcome even the toughest challenges.
