Reservations about CPEC to be addressed, says Ahsan Iqbal

Says Centre committed to developing country

PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal Thursday stressed the need for national harmony for timely completion of the multi-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and declared that the federal government was ready for dialogue with everyone at every forum to address the reservations about the projects.

He was addressing a seminar on “The CPEC-Myth and Reality” jointly organised by Ministry of Planning and Development, National Reforms Islamabad and Islamia College University (ICU) at the historic Roose Keppel Hall of the university.

“The CPEC is a game-changer for the country and certainly all the provinces would benefit from it. There is greater need for a political coherence for the successful execution of the project,” he said.

The federal minister was of the opinion that the country was facing conspiracies and some countries wanted to fail the project. “Some people are trying to make the CPEC controversial but they would not succeed in their nefarious designs,” he stressed.

He said that the rapid growth in population was another big challenge, but the huge population should be changed into opportunities. He added that Pakistan would become world’s fourth populated country by 2037. “Vision-2025 has been compiled in view of the global competitiveness. Strongest economy is required for development of any country, while Pakistan could be included in the world’s 25 strongest economies in the next 10 years,” he said.

Ahsan Iqbal said that instead of hollow slogans, the federal government was making sincere efforts for the well-being of the people and development of the country. “We should focus attention on education and research to find place in the list of the developed nations,” he said. The federal government has increased the budget for higher education from Rs.48 billion to Rs. 78 billion. He added that three new universities are being set up in FATA, Zhob and Gawadar.

Later talking to media, the federal minister rejected the terms of reference (TORs) proposed by the oppostion parties for the judicial commission to probe the Panama Leaks. He said that the opposition’s TORs were aimed at maligning Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family and not against corruption. He said that the opposition wanted to use the issue of Panama Leaks for political gains and they had no interest in eradication of corruption.

Ahsan Iqbal added that the government had focussed all its attention on the development in the country and announcement of international airport in Bannu and a university in Lakki Marwat by the prime minister was a reflection of government’s commitment.