Ahsan Iqbal condemns smear campaign against Pakistan-China relations

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has accused an unnamed political party of spreading misinformation about Pakistan-China relations, alleging that a smear campaign is underway to undermine the strong ties between the two nations.

Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Iqbal stated, "Trolling is being used to put pressure on critics, subjecting them to harassment."

He emphasized that no political party, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), would be allowed to disseminate false information about the state's diplomatic relations and policies.

"While differences exist between the government and opposition, state institutions should not be targeted. Weakening these institutions jeopardizes the stability of the state," he asserted.

Iqbal highlighted that Pakistan and China are currently enhancing their cooperation in the space sector for the first time. "China's participation will elevate our space program to new heights. China has expressed readiness to enhance CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) at an upgraded level," he reiterated.

He stressed that state policies are not shaped by random articles but through negotiations between governments. "Articles are written and published worldwide, but no country or state formulates policy based on articles."

The minister also noted that relations with China have improved following recent engagements, dismissing claims that Beijing had downgraded its relations with Islamabad as enemy propaganda.

"After hearing joint statements, only a fool would claim that relations are deteriorating. Relations with China have improved after recent engagements."

Iqbal quoted the Chinese President as saying that China wants to deepen strategic relations with Pakistan. He emphasized that any attempt to compromise the state's interests would be met with firm resistance. "We may have disagreements, but that doesn't mean we are playing with the state's interests."