The game-changer

We are in an unprecedented state of joy after the successful conclusion of the Chinese president’s visit. Investment of over $45 billion in the energy sector, infrastructure and the much-hyped economic corridor can prove to be a real game-changer.

Despite the law and order situation and an adverse investment environment, China has taken a bold step at a time when no other country is willing to invest in Pakistan. Even our own people have moved their wealth abroad. It is now time for some of our political leaders and industrialists to bring back their money stocked in foreign banks. As a nation we are in the habit of quickly going overboard without realising long-term consequences. At the moment we only know that China is investing $45 billion. What China will gain upon fruition of these projects not very many people know. There is a need to highlight what both nations will gain over a period of time. For any meaningful utility of the Gwadar Port, the law and order situation in Balochistan needs drastic improvement. Otherwise the Kashgar-Gwadar corridor will forever remain an elusive dream. Nevertheless, a good beginning has been made.
Cdre (r) Sajjad Ali Shah Bokhari
Islamabad