ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called on arch-rival India to reap the benefits of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project instead of obstructing its progress. The premier made this statement on Wednesday to commemorate the ten-year milestone of CPEC’s completion.
He emphasized the importance of the project to fuel development in the region. He stated that Iran, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and even India would also experience the positive impacts of the project.
The PM Office quoted Shehbaz as saying, “CPEC is a visionary plan that aims to foster connections not only between regions and areas but also between the hearts of people.”
Prime Minister pledged to accelerate the pace of development, highlighting the different domains that it encompasses. He highlighted its potential in healthcare, education, skill development, and promoting public involvement in the process.
Describing it as a transformative force for the entire region, the prime minister affirmed that CPEC would positively influence the living standards of people in the area.
He congratulated the leadership and citizens of both countries on the successful completion of 10 years of CPEC. He regarded it as a new chapter in the enduring and trusted strategic partnership between the two “iron brothers.”
The prime minister saw the project as a testament to the visionary outlook of Xi Jinping and Nawaz Sharif for inclusive development.
He expressed that the Belt and Road initiative exemplifies President Xi’s vision of promoting peace, friendship, and economic partnership.
Moreover, he described CPEC as a transformative force, affirming its positive impact on the living standards of the people.
He added, “Those who oppose CPEC are against peace, development, and prosperity in Pakistan and the region, as they do not wish to alleviate poverty in the country.”
PM Shehbaz stated that CPEC heralded a new era of mutual partnership, reinforcing bilateral relations between Pakistan and China.
He emphasized that CPEC covered a wide array of projects, including water provision, education, technical training, and skill development.
The construction of nine Special Economic Zones, he explained, would facilitate technology transfer to Pakistan, leading to increased local production.
Furthermore, the prime minister underscored the project’s impact on strengthening the effectiveness of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). He also highlighted the significance of the early warning system for natural disasters, which is an integral component of CPEC.
Likewise, he mentioned the inclusion of agriculture-related projects in CPEC, aimed at ensuring food security.
