Beijing: On the second day of the PTI delegation’s China visit, a
visit to Chairman Mao’s mausoleum was arranged. The delegation also met
with officials specifically dealing with poverty alleviation, population
control and discipline (anti corruption measures).
Imran Khan
and his team were briefed by the State Council Leading Group Office of
Poverty Alleviation on how China managed to raise about 400 m people out
of poverty. They were informed that while the high growth rate over the
last 30 years laid a good foundation, it was just one of the reasons
enabling China to alleviate poverty. Other reasons included reform of
the economic system. Imran Khan sought details of China’s rural and
urban poverty alleviation programmes. Later in the day, there was a
briefing on how China manages population control. The final meeting
was with the Central Discipline Commission of the CPC which deals with
inspection of Party officials and the government officials. PTI had
especially sought out this meeting to learn how China deals with
political and bureaucratic corruption. The meeting from the Chinese side
was presided over by Mr Yao Zhengke, Vice Minister Supervision Ministry
dealing with Discipline and Inspection. Anti corruption is the main
function. But supervision also focuses on projects and development so it
can be done more scientifically. Imran explained the PTI’s long term
commitment to anti corruption and justice. Imran explained how
corruption used to hinder Pakistan’s development but now it threatened
the existence of the state itself. The meeting was followed by PTI
Chairman Imran Khan’s lengthy interaction with the Chinese media. An
interesting side effect of Imran’s presence in Beijing was his
recognition by foreign visitors to the city from cricketing nations who
kept taking pictures with him. The visit of the PTI delegation, which
included Dr Shireen Mazari, Vice President Foreign Affairs, concluded
with a dinner in its honour by the Pakistani ambassador to China Masood
Khan where the embassy officials, their families and other Pakistanis in
Beijing were present - all eager to see icon Imran Khan. The ambassador
graciously hosted around a hundred people on this occasion. Online
