Finance Minister Asad Umar has confirmed that the government was currently in talks with China for a possible financial deal, which would include a ‘relief package’.

In an interview on Monday, Umar clarified that figures published about the possible package in some foreign media were mere speculation. “Foreign media is spreading fake news to sour relations between the two friendly countries,” he said.

Commenting on Pak-China relationship, Umar said that the current trade balance between the two countries was highly in favour of China, adding that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor would define economic cooperation in the true sense of the word.

“We want to change the relationship of taking loans by emphasising on trade, industry and agriculture,” he said. “The government is in talks with not one but multiple friendly countries for long-standing partnerships and investment.”