An All-Party Conference, chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has removed the reservations of various political leaders and has given a go-ahead signal to the government to develop western part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, linking Gwadar with Kashgar, on priority basis. On the occasion, the prime minister said that the political leaders have endorsed the corridor project, aimed at building roads, rail networks, airports and sea ports, along with economic zones and power houses across the country. The meeting was convened to remove reservations of some political parties and discuss the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, its route, related projects and to seek suggestions from political elites to ensure that all provinces get equal benefits from the mega project. The prime minister also said that a parliamentary committee will be set up to oversee the projects and it will ensure that reservations of the provinces are removed. The prime minister hoped that the economic corridor will not only help Pakistan achieve its cherished goal of economic development, but will also spur economic development in the regional countries. He appreciated the political leadership of the country for taking a united stand on this vital national issue and for taking a consensus decision.
The prime minister said that the economic corridor will help equitable development across the country and appreciated the Chinese government for extending huge investment in Pakistan. He said that the time has changed as all the political parties now stand together to work for the development and progress of the country and to strengthen democracy. The prime minister added that unprecedented investment from China is pouring in the country and lauded the all-out support of China to launch mega project in Pakistan which will serve to be a landmark achievement. Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal on the occasion gave a detailed briefing to the participants saying, the world sees Pakistan as the focus of Chinese investment and Chinese are too keen to invest in the country.
As a matter of fact, the project is not confined to a single physical route; rather it is a concept that included roads, airports, ports, energy and development projects. Giving a breakdown of various projects, Iqbal said that the Orange Line in Lahore was not part of the economic corridor and no new road is being constructed as part of the route, rather existing road network is being improved and interconnectivity increased. He said that the roads along three major alignments will be upgraded to improve North-South connectivity. It is good omen that all the political parties, including those which are allegedly on the payroll of Indian government, have decided in favour of the corridor. The political leadership should keep in mind that it is their country and they have to protect its interests. India is an enemy country and they should avoid giving any favour to the enemy country.
