Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, expressed optimism about the situation in Pakistan following investments and work under the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
Speaking during his visit to Balochistan’s Gwadar, he referred to the situation as a “glass half-full.” He highlighted that CPEC is a pioneering and successful project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with a focus on transport infrastructure, energy, and port infrastructure over the past decade.
Hashmi noted that almost $25 billion to $26 billion of investment has been made under the CPEC project, emphasizing the completion of crucial infrastructure in energy and transport.
He stated that the base for industrial and economic growth is now ready, and the next phase will focus on priorities related to industrial and agricultural cooperation, information communication technology, and minerals.
Responding to concerns about the lack of students from Gwadar studying in China on scholarship, Hashmi acknowledged the need for further work on this issue.
He mentioned discussions with the Gwadar Port Authority chairman and an agreement with Shandong province to send students for training and skill development.
The ambassador emphasized the importance of creating opportunities to enhance skills and mentioned the potential for students to learn marine sciences, particularly relevant in a region where more than 90% of people are involved in the fishery sector.
Election 2024: Candidates Set to Challenge Nomination Decisions as Third Phase of Polls Commences
Meanwhile, the third phase of general elections commenced on Sunday, allowing candidates to file appeals against the decisions of returning officers (ROs) who accepted or rejected the nomination papers of contesting candidates.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faces a setback as the nomination papers of its top leaders failed scrutiny, prompting expectations that the party will appeal the rejections on what they consider “flimsy grounds.”
Candidates whose nomination papers were rejected have until January 3 to file appeals, and the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) appellate tribunals will decide on them by January 10. Subsequently, the revised list of candidates will be published on January 11, with electoral symbols allotted on January 13.
Out of 24 judges, nine will serve as tribunals in Punjab, six in Sindh, five in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two each in Balochistan and the federal capital.
