China exploiting Pakistan under the pretext of CPEC: former Pakistan Ambassador

Washington: Former Pakistani Ambassador Hussain Haqqani accused ‘Pakistan increased its closeness with China to counter India and as an alternative to the United States. Although, Pakistan implemented the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, for this friendship, the CPEC project is not for Pakistan’s benefit and instead China is implementing its predatory economic policies against Pakistan, through the project.’ Haqqani, referring to a recent report published in Pakistan, pointed to the economic exploitation of Pakistan by China. Haqqani accused that the senior officials in the Pakistan government are helping China, in this exploitation of people of the country.

Haqqani heavily criticised the CPEC project is his article written for a magazine in the United States and the subsequent media interactions. This project is stuck in non-transparent silt and all the Chinese companies involved in the project have looted Pakistan. Haqqani levelled these accusations based on the report published by the inquiry committee appointed by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Pakistani people were made to believe that China is a trusted ally of Pakistan. Haqqani pointed out that this very China is callously exploiting the people of Pakistan.

The electricity bills are showing a substantial increase since the last few months. Prime Minister Imran Khan appointed a committee to conduct an inquiry into the matter. The report said that the increase in the bills is because of the Chinese electricity companies, participating in the CPEC project. The report also notes that there was a fraud of $620 million in the Pakistan electricity sector. As per the information revealed, Chinese electricity companies are the biggest culprits in the fraud. Huaneng Shandong Ruyi is the Chinese company involved in the fraud.

Haqqani said that despite exposing the fraud perpetrated by the Chinese companies, Pakistan will not be able to take any action against them. Haqqani claimed that the participation of the Pakistan military and their relations with the Chinese companies, will come in the way of an action. Haqqani pointed out that lieutenant General Asif Salim Bajwa, the special associate of Prime Minsiter Imran Khan, is the chief of CPEC project in Pakistan. Therefore, Haqqani blamed that the Pakistan military is responsible for the exploitation of the Pakistani population by the Chinese companies.