ISLAMABAD: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would test Pakistan’s ability to administer mega-economic ventures proficiently and in transparent manners, said Pakistan’s former Commerce Minister and Chairman Institute for Policy Reforms, Humayun Akhtar Khan here.
Addressing a dialogue focusing on the profound political and economic changes in South and Central Asia and in the Middle East, he said that CPEC was a revolutionary project which would reshape the region. On the occasion, prominent experts including: former Foreign Secretary Riaz Khokhar, Moeed Yusuf, Director South Asia, United States Institute for Peace, Washington, and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood Chairman Institute for Strategic Studies Islamabad were also present.
Humayun Khan, stated that recent developments held hope for stability and growth in the region. Yet the outcome depended on how leaders shaped these developments. He said that there was a risk that opportunities may turn into challenges.
Khan stated that China’s increased role built on the One Belt One Road programme and an active Shanghai Cooperation Organization held promise for the region. However, its success equally depended on partner countries.
Experts viewed that Iran’s nuclear deal with P5+1 augured well for wellbeing of the greater Middle East. It could be a boost for Pakistan’s trade and energy interest also. Iran’s role in the Middle East, however, depended on relations with the GCC as well as with USA. The Ashraf Ghani government showed good determination and maturity in trying to stabilize Afghanistan. Despite occasional acrimony, Pakistan and Afghanistan share common ground in moving forward. He said that, of late, India has had an active foreign policy. India is expanding its defence capability and does not shy from display of force.
Dwelling on developments in Afghanistan, Moeed Yusuf said that Pakistan and Afghanistan have no choice other than to move forward with talks for peace in Afghanistan. Failure of talks would destabilize Afghanistan with profound effect on Pakistan and the region.
