He was a Defense Minister based on his great performance as appointed CM KPK by Imran Khan. In last elections Imran and PTI, asked for votes based on his excellent performance as a successful CM. He was leading the task of negotiations with estab up until May 9 assigned by Imran himself.
It is logical to say that he may have contributed as such manner for CPEC as he says unlike admission of Asad Umar that he handed over project details of CPEC to IMF/US against Chinese wishes on instruction of PM Imran Khan.