August 6, 2024
2 mins read

Sharif: China offers more to Pakistan than U.S. ever could

He reiterated that the ties should be repaired with the US, but not at the cost of the relations shared by Pakistan with Beijing….reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the country’s strong support for China, stating that Beijing’s contributions to Pakistan surpass what the United States could ever provide, according to a report by Dawn.

He reiterated that the ties should be repaired with the US, but not at the cost of the relations shared by Pakistan with Beijing.

After a hectic weekend, the prime minister had a meeting with several journalists at his Model Town residence in Lahore.

Speaking at the event, PM Shehbaz stated that the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was rapidly moving forward and that there had been encouraging progress in promoting cooperation across a range of disciplines during the Chinese experts’ visit to Pakistan.

Speaking about his letter to Beijing asking for a debt re-profiling, he stated that the government would be able to lower inflation, particularly the price of energy if China consented to allow Pakistan five to seven years to repay the debts.

However, on being asked if he had received any response so far, the Prime Minister said: “No… [our request] is under consideration.”

“We hope for a positive response from China in this regard,” he said.

When further questioned on Pakistan-US relations, the prime minister expressed the belief that it was in Pakistan’s best interests to mend its relationship with Washington.

“I think our relations with the US must be repaired, as it is very necessary for Pakistan… But it shouldn’t be at the cost of China… and I had told [the Americans] recently in the presence of various dignitaries including Mr Ishaq Dar,” he further said, according to Dawn.

“I also told them that similarly, the friendship with China is not at the cost of the US, as both have significance for us,” he said.

According to the Pakistan PM, there are things that China is assisting Pakistan with that the US is unable to do.

Shehbaz Sharif, in his remarks, showed concern about the safety and security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan and assured that the government would use all its resources to ensure their well-being, according to Dawn.

It is pertinent to note that Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s positive comments on China come at a time when there are repeated attacks taking place on Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Though both countries are involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) together, the projects under it have only increased the debts of Pakistan over the years, amid a pre-existing economic crisis.

He said that politics of any kind had no place in dealings with a close friend like China. He declared that he was well aware of the issues that the general populace was facing, such as energy prices and inflation. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Macau denies visa to Taiwan official for not signing ‘One China’ affidavit

Previous Story

Innovative Biomarker Study Improves Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Next Story

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa farmers stand against hydropower projects

Latest from -Top News

Sisi, MBZ cement ties

UAE and Egypt bolster ties through high-level talks in Abu Dhabi and a landmark cardiac care initiative delivering lifesaving treatment to rural communities The United Arab Emirates and Egypt reaffirmed their strong

‘UAE leads global fight against plastic waste’

UAE accelerates its fight against plastic pollution with a bold single-use plastic ban and expanded environmental policies to safeguard natural ecosystems for future generations The United Arab Emirates continues to lead the

70,000 Gaza kids starve

WFP warned that any further escalation of conflict could paralyse relief operations altogether, deepening the plight of civilians—especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies, the

Prayers on the Mount

The Day of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, witnessed a congregation of believers from around the world As the sun blazed overhead and temperatures climbed to a sweltering 41°C,

EID MUBARAK!

UAE marks Eid Al Adha with housing support, children’s gifts, pardons, and cultural celebrations, reflecting a national spirit of compassion, unity, and shared community values Across the UAE, Eid Al Adha is
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Harris’ husband, students evacuate after bomb threat

The incident came one week after more than a dozen

France recalls envoy to US in standoff

The rare decision taken by French President Emmanuel Macron was