ISLAMABAD: The PTI’s confession that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a game-changer for the region is proof of the Nawaz government’s performance and the steps it took to improve the economy, the PML-N said on Wednesday.

During a press conference at the National Press Club, prominent PML-N leaders suggested that the PTI continue with the last government’s policies if it wishes to serve the people and build the country.

Former planning and development minister Ahsan Iqbal said the PTI used to call CPEC a fraud project and a reason the country was facing loans the nation would have to pay, but it was not admitting that the project was a good one.

Former finance minister says will leave politics for good if Imran Khan meets annual revenue target of Rs8tr

“We have energised projects of $29 billion out of $46bn in the last three years. The PTI should keep up the momentum we have built. I hope the PTI continues the project at the same pace to get the maximum results,” he said.

“I also expect that nine industrial zones will be established across the country, as per our idea. All the initial arrangements have been completed for the industrial zones, and now they need to be implemented.”

Mr Iqbal said in addition to completing these projects, the government will also build a number of roads that are a part of CPEC.

He said the PML-N’s tenure saw record investments in Pakistan, and government policies led to job creation.

“Motorway projects of as many as 1,750 kilometres were started during our tenure,” he added.

The former finance minister Miftah Ismail said the government should not change the former government’s package of exports in order to ensure the continuity of policies and reap the benefits of decisions made by the PML-N.

He said PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s target of earning Rs8 trillion in revenue every year is not achievable, adding that he would permanently leave politics if Mr Khan achieves this target.

“We will see how Imran Khan implements his promise breaking the begging bowl and not taking loans anymore,” he added.

In response to a question, Mr Ismail said a recent statement by the United States secretary of state about the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was inappropriate.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo recently suggested that the IMF ensure that American money is not used by Pakistan to pay off Chinese loans taken under CPEC.

Published in Dawn, August 2nd, 2018