As expected. IMF is 100% correct and Pakistan must accept it open minded

Seems like we finally got the game changer that we have been boasting for a long time. Thank you China.

To survive, Pakistan must follow Malaysia or else it will end up like Sri-Lank.

Get out quickly from CPEC

Geopolitics have begun as IMF & World bank are the foreign policy tools of the US...

Silk Road for Chinese, dirt road for Pakistanis. Keep paying their debts.

So the drama has just begun .

Please negotiate well and get the max benefit that may help people of Pakistan

Regards from across the border

What lMF saying is an neutral party it's time to listen IMF. China ecconmy is strong enough to fight in international court against pakistan after CPEC complete.

I think Pakistan media must play its critical role to force government to public CPEC agreement.

70,000 Jobs are you kidding me.

What's goes around comes around. Why IMF warn before completing this project because Nations already in china debt in Africa and Asia . Wise man is who changes path if one fall in. But everyone saying its a trap then also goes in that way what will you say to that person.

@Ahmed bin Babar Habitual conspiracy theory follower.

Warning from IMF is a code for orders coming from the US.

Pakistan in serious trouble. Ishq Darr knew about this, and escaped with more money to London. Nawaz Sharif government should be held accountable for the financial mess.

Pakistan you see the case studies in countries like Sri Lanka, Venezuela & few African Countries. These countries don't even share the border. As far as I see this is 21st century colonization. Good that Imran Khan is in power. He can take better steps to minimize the impact of Chinese debt.

When there is no option there is a one option.....

The real question is where the loans taken from China or elsewhere are used. If these are utilized for projects which gives profitable returns the obtaining / utilization of loans is justified otherwise disastrous e.g if the metro or orange train are run on loss with huge subsidy from government how could the loans taken for both these projects could be returned.So the construction of such non profitable projects is disastrous for the country and people.

The claim of China that the 70000 job creation by the so called CPEC projects has not improved the economy of pakistan by even a rupee.

@J.Ems It is too late bro.

Who is saying the truth Pakistan or china?

IMF is envious of Pakistan progress. They can't bully a strong and independent state. Pakistan is following the right path and should continue going on it... Keep on doing what you are at present....

I think the govt has the correct idea but this will take time to implement. The govt. can not be paying my gas bill or electricity tariff but it should let private companies take over and provide better service while safe guarding public interest.

Out of 70,000 jobs provided by CPEC, majority go to imported Chinese workers. CPEC is loans given by China to Pakistan to pay Chinese companies for highly overpriced exclusive no-bid contracts executed by Chinese labor and Chinese machinery, where the Chinese companies get tax breaks, with guaranteed payment terms from Pakistan in dollars.Pakistan is not Saudi Arabia rich and awash in dollars.

It looks like US vs Saudis vs Chinese economic battle using Pakistan as tool. We are paying the price of not following independent economic policy. Sad state of affairs.

Cpec a lost cause...

70000 jobs for Chinese working in Pakistan & China related to BRI CPEC!!!!!

We were too eager to switch sides (US to China) and try to arm twist US.

Conspiracy theorists and CPEC apologists will have a field day; I already spot a few empty boasting. In the noise, the debt-trap reality will recede in the background. Good luck, Pakistan!

@Ahmed bin Babar have they approached you. Don't go to them if you don't like them

@Ahmed bin Babar

I agree

But they are not forcing you to borrow brother

Infact it's Pakistan which is approaching imf for loans .

This is early harvest of CPEC

Nawaz government put Pakistan in the hands of Chinese in the name of CPEC and now we can feel the impact.

@Zahir The previous government is surely party to this issue. But what about Opposition, what was there job ? were they not supposed to exactly check that these things don't happen ? Why the previous opposition fail at checking this and not rise this in parliament ?

It would be better IF PTI uses its credibility and get Loan from KSA and China & other country, their provided Loan condition are soft as compare to IMF.

Pakistan very smartly needs to negotiate with IMF so it does not invite trouble for its self. When you take loan from some one or any organization then they are in position to put conditions to make sure certain conditions are met. Pakistan should level avoid going to IMF and look for other means to overcome its problem. Going to IMF should be last resort when all options get exhausted. IK should live up to his promises that he made to public before elections, otherwise he is no different from previous governments. Only those nations progress that learn from their mistakes.

Being in trouble doesn't mean you are never going to come out of it. All it takes is a few difficult decisions. Under IMF Pakistan will atleast retain its geographic sovereignty and slowly come out of China's clutches.

What if the IMF wants to see the CPEC financials? I expect some troubles there.

More and More Loans will be needed, because problem is growing population and growing demands for them... Stop population growth and after sometimes Things will come in control automatically.

if china has created 70,000 new direct jobs for pakistanis then CPEC can be called a game changer congratulations to Pakistan

IMF is making a timely warning. It's upto Pakistan to accept it or reject it. Each having its own consequences.

Take 8 billion dollars and invest in 5 million houses then blame on N Leage of spending money on roads and bridges. This govt is not doing any good to people.

@El Cid Why not ask your government to make the CPEC terms public? The real show will begin then. Oh wait, never mind. Pak government will have to reveal CPEC plans to IMF in any case for getting a bailout and it will no longer be a secret from anyone.

CPEC agreements have to be reviewed and renegotiated. They need to be prioritized and some of them terminated. These agreements signed by N league government in secrecy are neither negotiated in the interest of Pakistan nor are legal. Strategic & tactical benefit of CPEC is over 90% for China and less than 10% for Pakistan. As it is Pakistan is doing great and unprecedented favor to China and Chinese should be funding it with grant money (not double digit interest loans which Pak simply cannot afford). The agreements are unlawful because they were signed without public disclosures/approvals and without presentation, discussion and ratification of the parliament. No government has the right to sign agreements and obligate the people to predatory debt. A comprehensive audit is required to un-discover the actual cost and the beneficiaries of illegal commissions ( Pakistani politicians as well as bureaucrats)

CEPC- from 'game changer' to 'game over'.

@Shakhil Ahmed Learn to stand up on your own feet instead of using crutch of Chinese or IMF. These are the vultures who will eat everything you earn or produce.

Opening full trade including transit to India and Afghanistan for trade & commerce is the way forward.

The real questions that needs to be asked is whether the loan requested from IMF will be used to pay back interest and loans on CPEC projects. If answer is Yes then Pakistan should not take the additional loan and IMF must save Pakistan by denying the request.

Not to worry, an empty kitty, projects on, but difference is, this time honest people in government, so we will get results.

Some of the leading economists working in the developed countries are of Pakistani origin. A new popularly elected government has just taken charge. Already IK has started appointing world class economic advisors. Give him and his government a free reign. Soon things will start changing for better. Pakistan is on the right track and economy will start showing signs of a turn-around in two to three years. All that is needed is a lot of patience and an uninterrupted civilian rule for atleast five years.

Another point of view should be considered. A major part of the CPEC loans are proposed to be converted into grants; also, KSA will be partly supporting the some of the projects. So while IMF's advice should be considered, it need not necessarily be the course of action.

IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China because it knows the IMF will be the last one repaid.

@J.Ems .... Pakistan should follow Indonesia, not Malaysia. We could have. Indonesia cleaned up nepotism and political corruption 20 years ago and is a model of ethical behavior.

To ease the cash flow Pakistan must call for an immediate moratorium on those big industrial imports for say at least six months in addition to the those payments on CEPC. This will give a breathing time. Also, issue local Sukuk Bonds locally with an attractive coupon payable after three years.This will help suck liquidity from the market and control inflation.

We are already indebted to China.

What is the need for loan? If it is for repayment of Chinese loan, IMF will not give a penny. Loan will be available on project basis in installments.

CPEC can bring benefits, but examine each project carefully. Try and convince the Chinese to include local partners so that they can absorb the technology.

Above all let the projects proceed at a pace which Pakistan Government feels it is comfortable with.

IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China But it is ok to take the loan from IMF.. wonder what is the difference, they both are loan sharks. What IMF and credit countries are doing is really not much different from what gangsters and loan sharks do who make predatory loans. While the elite and politicians wear three-piece suits and don't break the kneecaps of those who can't pay back, they still are destroying people's lives.

IK promised to make CPEC details public.Why it has not been done yet.Let Pakistanis decide if the terms are beneficial to them.

When PTI government came into power they told us that Pakistan is in trouble because the previous government had taken so much loan. To get out of this misery current government has decided to take more loan.

CPEC is good for both nations. Good going friends.

SinoPak Iron Brothers 4 Life!

Another big question is what if IMF asks Pakistan to disclose the CPEC deal terms before giving loan. The terms which are not even been disclosed to Parliament or to nation.

If china can't help you now, what is the need to stay in cpec plan, get out of it.

@Ahmed bin Babar Why Iron brother which is helping Pakistan economy by investing 60 Billion is not agreeing to give just 10B dollars as loan ( from its kitty full of 2000 Billion) so that Pakistan does not have to go to conspirators of US like IMF and WB ?

China is the only friend Pakistan has. PTI do not treat it as 2nd class and destroy our relationship with China. PTI is here for 5 years rest of the time we don't know who the people will choose.

Not hearing loud arguments from CPEC supporters which used to flood Dawn earlier. Changed sides or have just have nothing to say?

50% of imports are minerals including oil, machinery and electronics. Strat building them and your trade deficit will come down automatically. Provide incentives and build system of infrastructure to support it.

CPEC is a disaster

IMF is foreign. China is blood brother. Continue CPEC and returns will flow in 10 years or so. Just watch

I think Pakistan should ignore this warning from IMF and take loan from China and from other Countries as well.

don't like what they say don't go to them.

Chinese debt at 14% is much too high. We cannot afford such high debt. Thankfully we have a government that can cut down on such high levels of debt that are unaffordable. We need to cut even more out of the CPEC total because we cannot afford $60b more in debt.

Sincerely hope that Pakistan comes out of the Chinese knot sooner rather than later. It has potential to raise its own money if properly managed and does not need to depend on any external loan. All the best to Imran and team.

The government has to move carefully, because the CPEC project is getting mixed up with the big international geopolitics between China and USA.

Things are so opaque. Only now it is clear that CPEC is a loan. In the previous regime it was confused weather it is loan or it is investment. Because the things were not transparent and the nation was not informed on the details, there must be some unholy consequences. For the moment Pakistan must halt perusing CPEC blindly until each and every detail is clear after heavy debate at all forms primarily in the parliament.

"IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China"

The cat is out of the bag; IMF loans no Problem! and Chinese loans a big problem!

That is not correct @Ahmed bin Babar. Pakistan has been living beyond its means and repeatedly going to IMF, World Bank etc for bailout packages. Reforms long overdue starting with people agreeing to pay taxes and for electricity have been patchy at best. The recent flip flop about non-filers buying cars and property indicates that Government of the day is not serious about reforms.

Pakistan CANNOT back out of CPEC completely. Too much money has been committed. Also, backing out will send wrong signals to any prospective investor in Pakistan. Pak Govt should renegotiate, remove wasteful projects and make the best out of the projects under progress. Secondly, Pak must make efforts to increase the financial viability of CPEC by increasing traffic on the link. Other countries like India, Srilanka and the gulf countries need to be incentivised to use CPEC for trade.

Chinese have only one friend: Money! Talking from personal experience.

@Mohsin sir they didn't cal you infect you went on there door when you see all other doors closed so you have to listen there's advice.if you are so well off then don't ask for loan from them.its your dire need so you are there.

Am wondering if CPEC is running since 2016, where is it's positive impact on economy? Why is economy in poor health?

@Ahmed bin Babar All foreign loans are foreign policy tools between any countries. That includes CPEC loans. There are no friends or iron brothers between countries, just convenient alliances.

@Imtiaz Ali Khan That iron bro is not giving money to you. IK tried with them & Saudi too. They both refused, & hence IK compelled to take another U-turn & went to IMF.

Pakistan should not be afraid of IMF and should do what is best for Pakistan

Both sides of the arguments (IMF and Pakistan) concerning CPEC are valid. However, Pakistan must first extend the duration of the project to at least ten years. With foreign investment by Saudi Arabia and UAE businesses the monetary situation shall stabilize to pay off the loan (IMF and CPEC). The key to all these things is honesty and corruption free government in Pakistan and the private sector.

Expand the tax base. Focusing on the salaries individuals and leaving the agriculture and others out of tax net will be detrimental. There have been big claims in the past about expanding the tax base let's see if this got can deliver that.

The elephant in the room is population growth. Needs to be tackled urgently to ensure any gains in growth is not dissipated across greater population. Secondly pakistan needs massive land reform, follow indian model which limits any individual ro own 100 acres max. Redistribute land to alleviate homelessness and poverty.

Pakistan joy of having done a deal with China in the form of CPEC was short lived. The reality of the deal nust be biting the people. How come Pakistani economists could not foresee the financial implications of this one sided deal.

Its a hard slump that we must get over. This is temporary but the benefit from CPEC is long term. Goodluck Pakistan!

IMF should rather ask Pakistan to avail loans from one creditor be it China, IMF, WB or Saudi Arabia and payout all other creditors.

Let the sole creditor take over taxation reforms of Pakistan's economy, which will result in controlled expenditure, reduction of subsidies and better implementation of tax collections.

@Zak I don't know how on earth you get all this info

@Ahmed bin Babar agree with your logic. start campaigning to stop these forces.

A friend in need is a friend indeed. Govt. must listen rescuers advises.

70000 jobs? Where are they? IMF is clearly working on designations coming from Mike Pompeo. CPEC is Silk Road that is Chinese ambition. We Pakistanis will take loan from both of them...then we will pay through the nose.

@Avi I do hope you know that to get over her financial problems due to US sanctions China day before has pumped in 112 billion dollars into her economy.

@khanm problem lies in what was the optics IK tried to sell , so far IMF was sold to us as the greedy moneylender and now we are bowing down before it. Reality is quite different, IMF is not the monster it is made out to be, in fact it is the best thing to happen to Pakistan, They will lend at low rates and also provide advisory which if we seriously follow will get us out of this debt trap. on the other side, China lends freely at double digit interest rates so that you can pay for the infra which the Chinese companies will win contract for to construct in Pakistan. and finally a big chunk of revenue from this infra developed goes to China while Pakistan will pay the interest. Now tell me, would you ever agree for such a loan/ investment from China or the IMF loan?

@ Jamil "The elephant in the room is population growth. Needs to be tackled urgently to ensure any gains in growth is not dissipated across greater population." Population growth is not the elephant in the room, it is the room in which an elephant lives. It is the elephant that needs some slimming exercises outside the room. You want poor people to have lees children, so that the rich can continue enjoying their lives with the same income generated by the remaining poor? Don't you have any suggestion for the betterment of the country, that requires some restrictions on the rich? Some kind of tax, for instance?

Who cares about IMF when we have iron brother by our side!

@Shah "Chinese have only one friend: Money! Talking from personal experience." No wonder, they work, we don't. Also talking from personal experience!!!

Absolutely correct warning to Pakistan by IMF.We have to return to China $90 Bln in 30 years with so far no grace period on the horizon.Pakistan Govt.must slash all the unnecessary projects now.It is better to be safe than sorry.

@Dr ashir : Whatever has been invested by China in power projects has made Pakistani industry also unviable because of high power tariffs. Over that cheap import from China has created further complications for competitiveness to export.

We are aware about it. The loan will be temporary and after thar no more, ever. We will go back to years prior to 1964, when we were always in trade surplus.

With such a weak economy, Pakistan should cancel its 48 drones order placed on China. These drones have not been deployed even in China as its first maiden flight took place last February. Such a huge order was placed and joint production agreed by Pakistan before the first drone was produced is indeed mind boggling. Pakistan should remember JF-17 joint production with China not bagging even a single deal.

Where is China in this critical situation? Can't a good rather best friend delay if not write off loans for 10 years or so?

we take 60 billion loan not investment and out of 60 billion purchased mtrl of about 45 billion from them. They benefited 1- paid loan 2-sold material 3- made less distance road for their exports through Gwader 4- will charge interest. .

@khanm Is IMF threatening Pakistan to take a loan from it ? Pakistan can walk away if the conditions of IMF are restrictive !!!

What else can IMF say to remain afloat, make it's presence felt, get counted, prove that it's still in-charge, desperately attempt to snub China's financial muscle and remain in the electronic, print and social media limelight?

@Ahmed bin Babar It is their money and they get to dictate. If you do not like it, do not go to IMF/World Bank

@Ansar rizvi There are no best friends among countries.All are driven by self interest.

@Imtiaz Ali Khan Without knowing the financial detail of CPEC, it is premature to make any judgement. If it is grant it is great but if it is loan at high interest it is not a good deal.

chinies heavy loans on bad terms by last stupid govt will result very badly . it is also not good that china govt knowingly allowed nawaz govt to involve in corruption with local companies ( if they are friends they should have not allowed) . the insurance rate world over is far less now local chinies companies charging too much all contacts be revisited and changed plus big projects for china why pakistan should pay.

@zak Where are facts and analyses to support your comments. No one has facts.

@Afifa Opposition is in power now. What will they do with CPEC?

If Pakistan calculate the rate of return on investment, it's a simple YES call with CPEC, Pakistan needs infrastructure and Power seriouslly considering the interest paying ability with hard earning foreign currency. If it's a NO call, cautious revision is madatory right now.

Pakistan need money after massive lootings by the governments of PMLN and PPP. Pakistan will accept loans from anybody under favourable terms wether it is available from China or IMF.

@Abhishek Singh then why go behind IMF if all is good?

@RAJA CHILL We all know they will not

@Incognito He is making sarcasm... I believe so..

@Zak How you want to survive on grants from KSA or US?

Stop importing made in China goods to save forex and charge maximum toll on chines trucks using CPEC roads. China is super greedy in benefiting own country at expense of whole world so it’s time to react

@Zak "Another point of view should be considered. A major part of the CPEC loans are proposed to be converted into grants; also, KSA will be partly supporting the some of the projects. So while IMF's advice should be considered, it need not necessarily be the course of action."We are dealing with IMF here not a local co op bank .Dont forget FATF observations.

@MG Agreed. The issue of repayment of $56 billion Chinese loan keeping back & forth and after caution by the US government, a major contributor of the fund, that bailout funds should not be used for this purpose, the scrutiny of terms & conditions of this deal will be demanded. This precursor leading to a fruitful negotiation of this exceptionally high bailout package might not be welcomed by the Chinese. As stated by the fund, it is going to dig deeper and besides strapping Pakistan with stringent conditionalities, going for a painful structural & institutional reforms, in order to make sure debt repayment capability is enhanced & it does’t have to provide another bailout in the future. This situation is reminiscent of hanging sword of Damocles over Pakistan economy, which by carrying out IMF charted remedies to correct fiscal & current account deficit & opting aforementioned may result in add on to the high double inflation causing enormous miseries to the common man on the street.

Pakistan has to tight its belt on unwanted spending if wants to survive.

it is time now to review cpec

From cpec agreement china gets 90% profits where as the 10% WOULD HAVE GONE into Nawaz's pocket.

Oh my sweet motherland. What has these corrupt people done to you. I'm shocked some people are still supporting the previous governments

@Feroz that is the reason Trump has been critical of the IMF approving a loan to Pakistan in the first place.

Day by day Pakistan is falling under the grip of Dragon.

@zak, Your optimism in the face of hard facts is commendable.

What constitutes excessive? Pakistan's loans have gone up astronomically after each devaluation of it's currency. Who has demanded this before any loan negotiations are made?

CPEC is a brain child of corrupt Shareef brothers. Did we really needed such a mega project? We could have gone for 10 small projects instead. The worst thing is they have signed the project in haste, with T&C only suiting to either Chinese or Nawaz bros. Either the entire T&C on CPEC should be renegotiated or it should be scrapped.

70,000 jobs for $ 50 Billion investment aka loan which at 7 % IRR shall have 3.5 Billion Dollars outflow or Rs 1270 Cr per annum for 70,000 jobs so Rs 1.8 Lacs per annum only interest per job.

Worst , the creamy jobs are also reserved for Chinese junta.

If Xi Jinping can agree to renegotiate trade deal with USA, why he will disagree to renegotiate CPEC deal?

@Indese wishful thinking

60 Billions investment and just 70,000 jobs.

I agree.

CPEC can wait but people need food and livelihood today and tomorrow. IK please dont drag masses behind China centric project.

No ship is coming to Gwadar is a testimony of Chinese help. Nearest Iranian port Chabahar is now buzzing with trade and ship transits.

@zak I love your optimism. but when your logic is like children believing in fairy tales, then it is a cause of concern. How on earth will you go back to a period of trade surplus? what will you export so much that all the imports can be negated and we will have surplus. if you have even an iota of idea please enlighten us. Your other idea is China will convert the loan into grant so we wont have to pay back. Please go ahead and start borrowing from all the banks you can, probably they will also convert in into grant for you

A fatal flaw has been exposed! IMF does not want money to go the Chinese in the name of this bailout debacle.

Pakistan's economy is same size of Mumbai. Chinese debt is a debt trap. Pakistan must pull out from CPEC and start trade with India.

CPEC is like money-back policy for China. Looks like Chinese terms are pushing Pak to approach IMF.

@J.Ems - Sri Lanka's debt to China is much smaller, only 2 billion. Pakistan will owe more than $60 billion once CPEC is completed.

China needs Pakistan on BRI as most of its projects around the world is failing.

@Prakash - Because China has no leverage with the US whereas it has all the leverage with Pakistan.

If Pakistan wants an opaque financial bailout,China is the answer. But,despite its hard conditions, IMF loans are transparent

We have great faith in Imran Khan our PM and he is the game changer.He is presently indepth analysing the current situation and will steer the country towards progress.We have enormous resources and manpower with honest and visionary leadership, we are destined for bright future.

Pakistan taking loan from any one must be transparent and the details must known to Pakistanis. It will improve the image of Govt and people get some kind of confidence on economic front.

@BK When you change the game you play, the game you play changes:- Dr. Wayne Dyer

@zak Don't worry. Be Happy.

Pakistan should ignore the naysayers and keep heavily invested in CPEC. CPEC is the future of Pakistan and symbol of iron-brother's love. For getting loan of just $60 billion and 8% interest rate, it will create 70,000 jobs. A win win for pakistan.

Leaders of Pakistan unwittingly or otherwise, selling the country to China ignoring the dire consequences and at the cost of Pakistan people. China will strangle the country and gobble wealth in due time.

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Agree with you 100%. Pakistan is full of resilient people. If all the PTI followers living abroad in Trump's America donate one month of their earning to PTI led government, the nation will not need IMF! As the Imran khan had promised many times during the pre-election rallies that PTI will NEVER go to IMF, if it did Imran Khan said that he will commit suicide!!

Pakistanis should pay their big thanks to Nawaz Shareef and Zardari following their parties members for their positive efforts to bring Pakistan under debts once again. Both previous govts. have sold everything all local transports, pia, wapda, silk roads, electricity, gas now blaming the present governments.

If dollar increase by 140-150, this is just because of these two previous govt.s's efforts. This is the true economical condition of Pakistan!

Ones CPEC is completed,Pakistan will be the top country in the world,ruling every one..world leader..wait and watch..

@Faran that too majority Chinese workers. China is giving Loan to Pakistan for CPEC. This majority of this loan is being used to pay to Chinese companies executing CPEC projects. These Chinese companies deploys Chinese workers on site. Once, & IF, CPEC project will be completed, China will export some of its goods through this route to Europe & GCC. Pakistan will get some revenue in terms of transit fees. NOW, Pakistan shall pay minimum 90% to China towards the loan payment till the time initial investment and the interest (rate unknown) is fully paid. No sane person can conclude that CPEC will bear any tangible gain at all.

@Omer (USA) But according to Pakistanis, China is the next superpower, so how can its projects fail ????

@Imran But CPEC was supposed to make Pakistan an economic giant, what happened ?

we are all making a mistake, if our blood, our iron, our brother demands and needs a sacrifice, we should do so. what is 60 billion for that. nothing.

Be warned. Don't say you weren't. Only self sufficiency should be the goal. And that will come with improved economy with infrastructure, education and jobs and less spend on non productive expenditure like defense, corruption and religion

A warning that is five years too late.

China refuses to import from Pakistan to cut the horrendous trade deficit Pakistan has with China . In fact even Pakistan's textile industry is being decimated by cheap Chinese exports.

Pakistan can offer labour to work in China to pay for cpec

IMF has changed CPEC game changer slogan to grave danger and rightly so.

This govt is only a few weeks old and Indians, please don't start celebrating Pakistan's economic collapse "yet". As you should know from your own experience of many failures "Failure is never Final". Pakistan is going to rise up against all your ill-wishes.

the Chinese maintain, they have boosted the country’s economic growth and provided 70,000 jobs. The number maybe true, but those jobs are 99% laborer jobs, the majority of jobs went to Chinese companies, Chinese management, some entry level jobs were given to Pakistani citizens, not enough to brag, so the statement by the Chinese official is partially correct and deceiving

@Flicker ,70000 job to chines not for pakistan

@Shakhil Ahmed And, what is that?

70000 direct jobs from CPEC.That means 70000 people have become rich.

It's high time we start looking at our relationship with China. Although China has always been a friend to us, ultimately everyone watches for their own interest. The only reason China is cozy with us is to keep India under check. It's all business. From recent Chinese infrastructure initiatives, we can clearly see that they are not as great for the host country as it seems. Most of the workers are Chinese. Host country is so indebted, they end up going broke. Sri Lanka is a recent example which ending up giving long term port lease to China as they counldn't repay the debt.

What's the point of economic corridor if we have to beg IMF for money?

@jamshed I don't think Indians are celebrating as Indian Rupee has fallen very sharply in the last two months and nobody is able to give any valid reason despite 8.2% high GDP growth rate. We wish Pakistan an early economic recovery.

If Pakistan defaults on any loan then our problems will be insolvable.

@jamshed We Indians hope & wish you come off this time and become a vibrant economy. Coz only when our neighbour's have prosperity, will they hv stability & peace, which will translate to a happier South East Asian region. Time will tell if China is an iron-friend or an iron-fisted friend. We wish you guys good always!

At the present juncture, Chinese loans have proved to be more onerous for Pakistan. One thing this government has still not done is to revisit the CPEC terms and conditions, bring them into parliament and expose the previous regime for the damage they did to Pakistan's economy in contracting n agreement that is totally in favour of China.. NS regime's motives in this connection must be investigated and they should be taken to task.

@jamshed - If Indians indeed wanted Pakistan to fail, we would not have said years ago about Chinese loans what the IMF is saying now. Back then you had a chance, now its probably too late.

I urge Pakistanis to support the CPEC fully. Don't go for IMF loans and live with your head held high - even if you need to eat grass as pride is more important than anything else

With all this negative publicity , China should be worried about being projected and perceived as loan shark. To negate that , I think China would be very much willing to renegotiate. Pakistan should explore and renegotiate to it's advantage.

IMF provides loans to third world countries on its own terms and conditions. If Pakistan is not able to meet IMF’s requirements then it is upto the lender to decline that country’s request. It is that simple. And that’s it.

@karman Loan from China is very expensive and that's the reason why Pakistan is in this position. Though the IMF are going to be tougher but in the end is better for Pakistan. Only people of Pakistan will suffer the blow.

Cpec has created 70,000 jobs in a nation of 220m. Hardly a game changer

@Chinpaksaddique Has Pakistan got 10 years to wait? What we read in newspapers is clear that Pakistan can not go on. Pakistan is trouble in payment of debts now and needs money now not 10 years later. Please try to understand this.

Am an Indian living in US my opinion is - " Why structural reforms for Pakistan." The US just exports its debt all over the world. The Chinese have bought trillions worth of US bonds. Maybe Pakistan needs to start selling debt, instead of borrowing from IMF.

Pakistan need a long term strategy on the economy. I think long term should be develop the silk road (do not abandon the idea), however, it should be done using Pakistani money not Chinese. With the help of their engineers build the roads to their satisfaction but charge them for use.

Trade between India and Pakistan must also increase. Build gigantic lorry depots on both sides of the border - no need to cross into each other territory. However, be mindful that Pakistanis are not transporting Indian goods heading to Afghanistan...i bleieve this is happening on a daily basis without detection.

Repeal all old legislation and create local governments. Get everyone citizen registered for income tax.

MOney laundering legislation needs to be created now any recovered loot should go to the treasury. Any items associated with crime must be confiscated.

Please create a reliable foreign policy and stick to it.

@arun1 agree at same time China has its own labor why would they employ Pakistani labor?

@dr sataria right go on and sacrifice for Iron brother and see what China sacrifices for you

@Omer (USA) sure Omer keep on believing that China needs Pakistan the dire strait of economy is not in China but in Pakistan

@Saif Zulfiqar USA Taxpayers fund IMF mainly in all your anti USA rantings you have always put down the US What happened now?

@jamshed rightly said! PTI is the best government and PMIK the bestest PM. Pakistan Zindabad

If, as a common, neutral reader, I see this as the biggest white collar scam of this century, why cant the much more educated people in power see this as it is? CPEC will no doubt help Pak in many areas but not at the cost they are about to witness in the years and decades ahead. Playing with the lives of future generations.

@Dr ashir Well we still have dirt roads after that billions of dollars loan by IMF and other western resources.

@Avi and how many countries are in IMF loan trap? Last time I counted almost 100.

it is complex system of Super Powers playing games. Be Our Slave and not theirs is the game - it is not easy decision - but all indicators are that their are efforts to slow down One Belt project. China should try to soften the interest rates for Pak - to make it very attractive loans. Why not China - if it offers good rates and long term return terms/

Who needs IMF, when you have CPEC.

@Dr ashir ......Silk Road for Chinese, Dirt road for Pakistanis. Keep paying their debts.

There can't be a better description than this. Pakistan will face the same fate as Sri Lanka and many African nations that were swallowed by the Chinese dragon. Good luck to every body who still believes CPEC will change Pakistan's future.

@Flicker Yes 70,000 Chinese jobs working in Pakistan at double the rate what they get in China. This is called "milking a dead cow".

USA had applied a trade barrier on China, now China is going to do the same to Pakistan, Sri Lanka and some African countries.

Excessive loans from IMF/ west OK!! Got it.

The Pakistan Government must do exactly the opposite of of what the US-controlled IMF says - and Pakistan will be OK.

Pakistan peple say that CEPC is the game changer but buthey have different meanings for different goverment.

So many indians, Americans and western institutes are speaking negative things about CPEC. The only reason could be, they don't want to see pakistan prosperous. That means, pakistan is doing the right thing by committing to CPEC. It should stick to its stand and see this thing thru till the end.

IMF's counsellor Maurice Obstfeld may be 100% right in counselling Pakistan to reduce debt burden from China but the moot issue is will IMF be able to bail out Pakistan completely ? Logic is very simple. If you cannot help then you have not earned the right to counsel. Nobody will mind constructive criticism coming from anyone so long as that person is also able to provide solution and display genuine intentions to help. In other words; IMF will also have to walk the talk in terms of getting Pakistan out of economic troubles before they go on that path of counselling. IMF first needs to communicate that they can and are willing to help Pakistan

@Dr Salaria, Aamir Ahmad then why go to IMF in the first place?

@Ravi what is percentage of 70000 to Pakistan total population?

Go for foreign direct investment from China and not loan. Government will have no burden of repayment and jobs for Pak people and infrastructure creation should be the agenda.

@Someone Where?

why not ask all weather friend china to help

Pak economy and internal affairs controlled by external forces. Yesterday the US, today China, tomorrow IMF. Anyone giving a thought to why?

Pakistan should play their cards well and get the best deal from china and imf. We absolutely need cpec, no questions on it.

@@CPEC where is and what is your card to play .today u r in empty hand

When nobody else gives loans to our republic, what we can do except getting loans from china

@Faran : 60 Billions investment and just 70,000 jobs......I wonder where is that so called 70000 jobs and how many of our nationals actually got jobs....This number looks like an illution....

@thinker This is not only with CPEC but wherever China projects go so do the China towns,Malaysia,Zambia, Srilanka name the country and the project and you will see Chinese labour and China towns no jobs for locals,

@bluemoon may be some considered it grant !

@jamshed ji indians are not celebrating but yes they are getting lessons without a cost.

@citizen have you thought why?

@khanm difference is that excessive dependance on one single country. Now IMF is like a bank and China is like a local choudhary. Pakistan has taken loan from the choudhary. So now the choudhary will soon start the exploitation. However bank goes by rules strictly.

@karman IMF imposes policies (Monitory or Fiscal) not high rate of interest. But China don't interfere the policy. rather ask for a high return.

@KaulM The leading economists have long been kicked out. Which cave are you in?

China has given a silky path to slip into debt trap.

@shobhan kunwar "Pakistan should sell its debt" - Pakistan has done that in the past but they didn't get a good response from international markets despite offering high yields on their bonds. And that was when Pakistan's credit rating was much better than it is today. So today, that option would not be feasible at all.

Reality hits ...

@Ahmed bin Babar Money does not come easy and with out conditions. Think about it before asking for it

It is Pakistan that has helped China and proped chinese economy by importing chinese goods at high prices against differed payment which are economically not viable in present situation. Pakistan needs correction of these in time before taking bale out loans which will have to be serviced in future.

remember when you negotiate, the IMF will have an INDIAN as the chief economist....GITA GOPINATH......don't forget this?

@El Cid , if You understand that, why are You going to IMF?

@Kamran , many Indians including me long back mentioned these facts much earlier but many Pakistani writers accused us by saying that we are envious and we do not want Pakistan to progress.I personally mentioned that employing Chinese manpower, sole Chinese Companies for Machineries supply without any global tender, 3 to 6% interest against world bank interest of 0.3 to maximum 3% interest, Tax holiday for Chinese Transporters , Security related expenses by Pakistan Govt. huge sovereign guarantee of profit return to Energy Companies , everything is with Pakistani money.CPEC is not investment as any investment carries risk factor but such Chinese model of investment has zero loss and full profit that too, a Road, which China needs more than Pakistan. CPEC Road infrastructure serves Chinese interest more which is why it ought to be Chinese investment not loan. Since land belongs to Pakistan, hence Pakistan ought to extract it's pound of flesh from China through better negotiation.

@Ahmed bin Babar

Mr. Baber, before you make a wild accusation, you must study the history of Chinese government venture in other countries and resulting financial troubles for the country. China’s One Road One Belt program is designed to keep Chinese economy thriving, and not designed to help others countries accepting the deal.

If Pakistan struggles or fails to payback Chinese loan, Pakistan will have to relinquish the ownership of the project to China. Read about a port in Shri Lanka commandeer by China when Shri Lanka could not meet payment obligations. If you love your country, educate yourself about this project heralded by China to help her friends!

@Afifa Because IK chose to boycott parliament. He failed as opposition. He will fail as ruler.

@PC They also charge insurance on the loan which is on top of principle amount, interest and guaranteed rate of return

@citizen you can give a thought why no one gives loan to you. and find the cause and correct the cause

@Darshan even when their economy is down and in doldrums,they are creating so much of nuisance in kashmir,imagine what they will do when they have prosperity.

IMF is a foreign policy tool of the US. It's resondatre is to make money by lending and subjugating nations so that western countries remain in control and so colonialism exists in a different guise. It's a bit rich for supporters of ppp and pmln to attack the pti government when you consider that these two parties greed from a financial and political point has lead us to where we are now. The Saudi and Emiratis will not help due US pressure as they are disgusted at the idea that there may be a Pakistani prime minister who has more loyalty to his own people.

@Ahmed bin Babar

Should we ask China to waive out our loans then?

Please offer us some solid policy than only making claims.

It is prudent to buy and hold USD for a short term if you want to make some money guys. Pak Rupee will nose dive for sure. It may get stable around 1 USD = Pak Rupee 150.

@Ashraf Gilani (Kashmir, India) It is always better to be self dependent than taking help from others, I trust Pakistan should reduce all the imports which require dollars payments specially petroleum. Pakistan should start internal debates among collages & government officials to take their suggestion how to control spending. I trust law & orders should be controlled in such a way that infrastructure should be improved. CPEC is going to help in infrastructure so it can never be ignored. Take help of Saudi Arabia on power generation units which will reduce use of imported petroleum. Never ignore strength of Pakistan, it should be highlighted & let others know.

@AZ - Lot of policies are made in these comments.. Waive off 8 Billion $ .... Why? they are doing business not charity. China is a country not a mother

are there any good examples of any country which got developed and eventually out of IMF debts?

Chinese never give anything for free. Just look at Shri Lanka. BNBR is nothing but the biggest landgrab exercise of modern times.

Whatever IMF has said is right and there is no doubt CPEC is big debt trap. Why the hell we have to beg every time to these institutions? There is something very bad in deep rotten mentality our country as whole because we as nation and democracy has failed several times yet we haven't learnt anything from our mistakes. Life of common citizens needs to be thrived by providing them jobs, healthcare and basic infrastructure where our great country can be build upon. We need to strengthen our democratic institutions and build this nation like never before because if it's not today then it's never. We as a nation has become laughing stock due to the bad politics of our leaders. Inshallah we have much potential and we can be a great nation I have no doubt about it.

Jive Jive Pakistan

What exactly are the details of CPEC? Is it a free trade zone? Or Just infrastructure? If Infrastructure then would both countries be able to send goods to each other or is it just for china? What amount of 60 billion USD in a loan and what is investment? What does China get for it's investment and what do we pay for the loan. There are too many details that should perhaps be clarified. Perhaps Dawn can provide an in-depth research on CPEC to update it's readers.

Pakistan needs a few very good Financial and management controller to deal with IMF and not politician.

@Abhishek Singh It is Pakistan that is asking for loan from IMF, if Pakistan is self sufficient and did well with CPEC then why go ask for loan from IMF.