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Today's Paper | May 04, 2024

Updated 29 Apr, 2015 02:16pm

Chinese investment neither loan nor grant: Nawaz Sharif

LONDON: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said the money being spent by China in Pakistan is not a loan or grant but an investment, according to the state-run Radio Pakistan website.

Talking to reporters, before leaving for Islamabad from London, the premier said that China's investment in Pakistan under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project covers construction of motorways and installation of energy projects.

Read: China-Pakistan corridor: Visibility of the game changer

He said new Gwadar city will be built with the cooperation of China and its benefits will be reaped by the entire country.

On the end of his five-day visit to the United Kingdom Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Britain is a friend country which plays an important role in the field of education in Pakistan.

"Relations between the United Kingdom and Pakistan are very good," he said adding that Britain appreciates Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism.

He said a neck-and-neck contest is expected during the upcoming elections in Britain.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had reached London on April 24 on the invitation of Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron where he held meetings with British leaders and business executives.

He also held official talks on bilateral, regional and global issues with his British counterpart.

Answering a question about the recently held local government elections in cantonment areas he said, "The results of have been good." He added that he expected a much better result in the next general elections.

Responding to another question about Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI's) allegations of poll-rigging the premier said, "If the proof of rigging is in the ballot bags then what do the accusers have with them."

He also referred to the increase in the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz's lead over the PTI after the opening of ballot-bags in a constituency of Lahore, where poll-rigging had been alleged.

Talking about the murder of Sabeen Mehmud in Karachi, he said it was a deplorable act and that the government was making all efforts trace and apprehend the culprits behind the incident.

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