China's economic assistance applauded

Beneficial relationship

"As part of the community of shared future, I think it is a very, very beneficial relationship in that sense because if you really look back at the Silk Road, it was basically a trading route and it was about inclusion and integration. The same thing is happening now with the BRI," Abbasi said, referring to the Digital Silk Road project. "I think the focus now shifts to technology and also things like artificial intelligence."

The CPEC has been a real success story, according to the Pakistani politician. He refuted the accusations of a "debt trap" by some Western nations, saying the claims have been intentionally made up to harm China's reputation.

Talking about the terrorist attack against Chinese workers in Pakistan, Abbasi said protecting the lives of Chinese nationals involved in various projects in Pakistan is very important.

However, he noted that Pakistan's landmass spans long distances from north to south, with a difficult terrain.

"Pakistan has to deal with the threat from suicide bombers, something which is very difficult to guard against. I think we need to develop new methods for providing security in light of the recent incident," Abbasi said.

But he said the terror attack will not hinder the progress and success of the second phase of the CPEC.

"We are hopeful of moving forward with the CPEC and I am especially looking forward to the potential growth of exports, and the CPEC can be of great help," Abbasi said.

vivienxu@chinadailyapac.com

Kaswar Klasra, a freelance journalist based in Islamabad, contributed to this story.