Indian objection to CPEC project unjustified: Shahbaz

LAHORE: CHIEF Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that glorious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project is for the 180 million people of the whole country.
He said that masses of Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan would benefit from this project and collective efforts would be made for its implementation to make Pakistan a great country.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project is not only in the interest of Pakistan but also of other countries of the region as economic and trade activities will increase in this part of the world due to this project. Hue and cry of India and its objections over the project are unjustified. He said China had a trade of $75 billion with India and invested billions of dollars in energy projects but Pakistan had no complaint or objection in this regard as it was not its concern.
The chief minister said the Modi government should not oppose China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project as it would result in improvement of economic situation in the region. He said the historic package of $46 billion to Pakistan reflected deep love of Chinese leadership for the people of Pakistan and confidence in the policies of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Addressing a seminar on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Project arranged by Punjab Energy Department at Chief Minister’s Office, here Tuesday, the chief minister said it was a historic occasion as CPEC project was being discussed which would prove to be a game changer for Pakistan’s economy.
He said after having been elected for the third time as Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif visited China on July 6, 2013 and during this visit, leadership of two countries furthered the CPEC concept. He said that due to the tireless efforts of the leadership and the authorities of the two countries, a historic opportunity had become available and China was going to make investment of $46 billion in Pakistan. He said that out of this, $33 billion would be spent on power projects.
Referring to the investment made by Pakistani investors in foreign countries, he said it was lamentable that some Pakistani businessmen earned billions of rupees in the country but at difficult time preferred to invest in foreign countries instead of their own country. He said when Pakistan needed investors, they had vanished but Chinese investors were making investment.
He said the CPEC project was vital for Pakistan’s economy and its implementation would create lakhs of job opportunities in the country, construction industry would progress, capacity of contractors would be built. He said media would have to play its due role for promoting public awareness regarding the importance of this project.
Replying to various questions, Shahbaz Sharif said the whole nation was united on CPEC and all political parties expressed their consensus on this project in All Parties Conference. However, he said that if there was any reservation, it could be resolved through negotiations.
Replying to other question, he said a number of power projects would be completed by the end of 2017. He said completion of energy projects would result in two percent increase in growth rate. He said learning of Chinese language was the need of the hour and a college would be set up for this purpose. Referring to Indian objections over CPEC project, he said Pakistan is a nuclear power and no one can harm the country.
He said a huge amount had been allocated in the budget for Gilgit-Baltistan while funds had been earmarked for Dasu Dam and Diamir Bhasha Dam and thousands of megawatt electricity would be generated when these dams would be constructed.
Federal Minister for Planning & Development Ahsan Iqbal said the project would strengthen economic contacts between the two countries. He said that $46 billion investment by China had paved the way for investment in Pakistan. He said that under CPEC Project, $11 billion would be spent on infrastructure and $33 billion on power projects.
He said Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had made commendable efforts regarding this project and served as an advocate of the four provinces. Paying tributes to the services of Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, Ahsan Iqbal said when he is in Pakistan he is Ambassador of China and when he goes to China, he becomes Ambassador of Pakistan. Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said that Chinese President made historic and successful visit to Pakistan this year due to which Pak-China friendship strengthened.
He congratulated the chief minister over the success of metro bus project. He said a Chinese company was working on orange line train project with the collaboration of the Punjab government. He said cooperation to Pakistan would be promoted in agriculture, science technology, industries and other sectors. Chinese Ambassador said China was an important member of Asia and global family and was following the policy of friendly relations and cooperation with all neighbours.