Pakistani minister bashes China aid for Silk Road projects
The commerce, industry and investment minister sparks concern by suggesting that all projects in the $57bn programme could be eligible for suspension under new leader Imran Khan
Karachi/Islamabad — A Pakistani official’s critical comments about projects funded by China to the tune of billions of dollars sparked worries on Monday of a souring in ties, a day after Beijing’s top government diplomat concluded a visit. Abdul Razak Dawood, the Pakistani cabinet member for commerce, industry and investment, suggested that all projects in the $57bn China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) programme could be eligible for suspension in a review to be conducted this week under the orders of new Prime Minister Imran Khan. "I think we should put everything on hold for a year, so we can get our act together," Dawood told the Financial Times in an interview. "Perhaps we can stretch CPEC out over another five years or so." He added that he thought China had been granted too-favourable terms in many projects by the former government of Nawaz Sharif. "Chinese firms received tax breaks, many breaks and have an undue advantage in Pakistan; this is one of the things we’re lookin...
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