LAHORE
Indian concern on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is out of its enmity with Pakistan.
It has been making efforts to destabilise Pakistan since its creation. An impression of proxy war in the region is being created.
These views were expressed by the speakers at Jang Economic Session on ‘Prime Minister’s visit to China and future of CPCE’. The panellists were Prof Musarat Abid, Dr Nadia Tahir, Abdul Basit, Dr Haroon-ur-Rasheed, Asif Baig Mirza and Haroon Arora. The session was hosted by Sikindar Lodhi.
Prof Musarat Abid said the CPEC is a game changer on economy and social fronts, and now focus should be on its success.
She said all political parties should unite on CPEC as they were united on atomic programme. She said China is not invading Pakistan.
It is coming with extending cooperation to increase exports and resolve issues. She said India wants to weaken Pakistan at every front to establish its might, she said.
Dr Nadia Tahir said socio-economic betterment will come to the region with CPEC projects.
There is no harm to keep the business community, traders and stakeholders in confidence on CPEC, she said and believed transparency in the projects will support the projects. She said rates of property and construction raw material will increase with China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects which will create problem for the commoners to make or purchase houses. She called for effective strategy for textile, construction and energy sectors and resolving business community concern on China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.
Abdul Basit said apparently rosy picture on CPEC is being presented.
Exports of China will increase, which will affect Pakistan industry, he said and added currently many politicians were selling their business on China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
He believed CPEC will create stability in the region and positive socio-economic impact but the success of the project depends on politician vision. He called for consensus among provinces on CPEC which is connecting three continents.
Dr Haroon-ur-Rasheed said China Pakistan Economic Corridor and One Belt, One Road project will bring major change in the region. He said Pakistan is important for China due to its conflicts with India, Japan and Philippines.
He said Chinese president mentioned that it will not disturb internal matters of all the countries involved in the project. However, it will develop housing schemes, hospitals, science research centre in Gwadar for Pakistani youth development. He called for strengthening the exports to achieve maximum results from the project.
Asif Baig Mirza said CPEC is road link and energy project. He said Chinese economy was staggering and it wants to export its surplus material to the world. He said electricity could be available to public by 2018 but it would be costly due to expensive loan on 27 percent mark-up for its generation.
Haroon Arora said China Pakistan Economic Corridor can be a success if Pakistani leadership will attempt to get maximum benefits from the project. He called for engaging all stakeholders in China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
