Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has rejected the perception that China’s Belt and Road Initiative is a ‘debt trap’.

Talking to international media in Islamabad today, he said stories are made to create propaganda in global geopolitics of competition.

The Minister said wherever BRI has gone; the local people can testify that it has had a very positive impact.

He appreciated China for extending BRI to Pakistan in the shape of CPEC that has given Pakistan a great opportunity in areas of energy, infrastructure, telecommunication, industrial cooperation and in unlocking hidden treasures like the Thar Coal Project.

Ahsan Iqbal said Gwadar Port City is set to become a major trade and commerce hub in the region with its Free Zone and investment from Chinese companies.

He said goods can be shipped to China through Gwadar in almost one-tenth the distance from the South China Sea.