Mohammad Jamil
A seminar titled China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was organized by Sahafi Welfare Association on Tuesday in Karachi. Speakers dwelt at length and outlined benefits of the CPEC. They emphasised that Afghanistan and other neighbouring countries may also benefit from this multi-billion project. Zubair F. Tufail President of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) said: “China has become a world economic power and Pakistan would benefit from around $60 billion CPEC projects. The first special economic zone in Sindh was being set up in Dhabeji, which would be completed by 2019 and would create hundreds of thousands jobs.” Director Marine Group Asim A. Siddiqui said that CPEC would definitely open up new markets for China; however it is up to Pakistan as to how much it benefits from this multi-billion project. He further said that nine free zones under the CPEC would be set up in the country.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, linking Gwadar Port to the Chinese province of Xinjiang, will be a game changer not only for Balochistan and Pakistan but also Central Asian countries. In Balochistan, development activity has picked up with the return of peace after years of insurgency and violence. But many anti-Pakistan lobbies have been at work to sabotage the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) including India and the US, as they know that with the completion of its projects Pakistan will usher into an era of progress and prosperity. Anyhow, CPEC will open new vistas of development as a result of which the national economy will grow fast, lead to creation of new job opportunities, poverty reduction, and development of transportation sector and boost industrial growth. Energy sector has been assigned top priority to help Pakistan overcome energy shortages, which will end load shedding to give relief to the people.
Baloch youth, the jewel of human being, bubbling with enormous talent, vitality and energy, had been suppressed by sardars in the past. However, whenever he got the chance he turned out an acknowledged doctor, engineer, lawyer, civil servant, diplomat and general of sterling quality. Various governments in the past, whether military or elected had appeased and mollycoddled illusive sardars, chieftains and local wielders who had been riding a rough shod over Baloch commoners, particularly youth. Billions of rupees were poured into the provincial treasury from the centre in the name of packages and development plans from 2002 to 2009 but one did not see any worthwhile project with first-class educational facilities in diverse fields and disciplines for the commoner Baloch youth. Since Abdul Malik was elected CM and then Sanaullah Zehri is at the helm, funds are being spent on the projects that can be seen on the ground.
Not only Balochistan and its people but people of Pakistan will benefit from China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC project is part of Beijing’s “Belt and Road” plan to expand its trade and transport footprint across Central and South Asia. It will give China easier access to Middle Eastern oil via the deepwater port of Gwadar. Of course, the completion of Gwadar would make Balochistan economic hub and create a strategic nexus between Pakistan, China and Central Asia. It would provide links from the Caspian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, and enable Gwadar to compete with Persian Gulf ports. The US is wary of Chinese strategic access to the Arabian Sea and its presence in the region. Reportedly, the US tried several times to persuade Pakistan against involving China in the mega project but Pakistan remained firm on its commitment to China.
On 1st June 2015, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi had raised the issue of CPEC during his recent visit to China and called the mega project unacceptable for the country, which was sheer interference in the affairs of a sovereign country. During a press conference in June 2015, Sushma Swaraj also told reporters that the Indian government had summoned the Chinese envoy over the $46 billion economic corridor that is to run from Gwadar in Pakistan’s west to China’s Kashghar. China’s Foreign Office rejected India’s reservations on CPEC, and said that “India’s concerns are not right enough and we will carry on trade ties with Pakistan.” He added that the CPEC would bring stability and prosperity in the region. Out of desperation, India has stepped its vile acts. Arrest of Kulbhushan Yadev bears testimony to the fact that India is involved in terror acts.
The provincial government, federal government, and military have contributed towards winning the hearts and minds of the people; which is why many farari commanders have laid down arms and dissidents have been forced to come to the negotiating table. After successful completion of Zarb-e-Azb, Radd-ul-fasaad is progressing well, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday visited Rajgal valley, Khyber Agency, where he was given detailed briefing on progress of Operation Khyber 4 in which forces have cleared over 92 percent of the area, according to the Inter-services Public Relations (ISPR). Talking to officers and troops at the occasion, COAS said: “With the full backing of the nation, we are heading towards a normalised Pakistan where writ of state and supremacy of law would be ensured so that every Pakistani will be able to play his positive and rightful part in Pakistan’s progress.
