ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued a stern warning to ministries and divisions, directing them to remove bottlenecks in more than $8 billion worth of CPEC-2 projects, cautioning that no delay or negligence will be tolerated this time.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, the premier stressed that while the recent Pakistan-China B2B Conference in Beijing was a “tremendous success,” the $8.5 billion worth of MOUs signed must now be swiftly converted into binding joint venture contracts. He said ministries are responsible for ensuring that promised Chinese investments actually materialise.
Sharif declared that CPEC-2.0 is Pakistan’s “last big opportunity” to fully benefit from China’s investment and expertise. The new phase will focus on agriculture, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), mines and minerals, and upgrading the Karakoram Highway. He reminded officials that history would never forgive Pakistan if it wasted this chance.
Underscoring China’s enduring friendship, the prime minister added that Beijing had once again placed trust in Pakistan, but the responsibility lay with the government to deliver results. “We are answerable to the people, and accountable for outcomes,” he said.
Sharif also touched upon his recent visit to China, where he met President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other world leaders at the SCO Tianjin Summit 2025. He praised federal ministers, secretaries, SEPC, and organisers for successfully hosting the investment conference that attracted major commitments.
In addition, the prime minister highlighted fresh partnerships with US-based companies in gemstones, mines, and minerals. He said these ventures would bring vital technical expertise, reflecting a growing Pakistan-US relationship without affecting the country’s “time-tested” strategic partnership with China.
