CPEC Progress: Overcoming Challenges and Signings

Lahore, Islamabad (Khalid Mahmood, Monitoring Desk, Agencies) Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has emphasized that India should embrace the advantages of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor instead of hindering its progress. CPEC is set to benefit not only Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia but also the entire region. On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of CPEC, he extended congratulations to China and Pakistan, stating that their relationship embodies a steadfast and dependable strategic partnership. Sharif described CPEC as a testament to the visionary leadership of China’s President Xi Jinping and the developmental aspirations of former leader Nawaz Sharif. He viewed CPEC as a gift from President Xi Jinping to the people of Pakistan. Unfortunately, CPEC faced obstacles for four years, with unwarranted accusations being directed toward China, a staunch ally. Sharif highlighted that those opposing CPEC are also obstructing the development, peace, and prosperity of Pakistan and the region, as they do not wish to alleviate poverty among our people. However, there is an accelerated pace of work on CPEC, which aims to combat poverty, unemployment, and economic challenges. Sharif urged India to reap the benefits of CPEC instead of impeding its progress. CPEC not only entails improvements in road, rail, sea, and air infrastructure, but also encompasses significant plans for healthcare, education, skill development, and inclusive participation in the development process. Sharif described CPEC as a remarkable initiative that fosters connections not only between regions and territories but also between the hearts of people. It is a transformative project that restructures the economy within the context of globalization, with the aim of improving living standards and eradicating poverty to promote peace in the region. The establishment of nine Special Economic Zones across Pakistan will facilitate technology transfer, foster industrial collaboration, and increase local production. Additionally, the capacity building of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the implementation of preventive measures against natural disasters are integral components of CPEC. Moreover, joint agricultural projects will be implemented to ensure food security. During the ceremony commemorating a decade since the signing of the CPEC memorandum of understanding, Shahbaz Sharif attributed the growth of the CPEC project to the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, emphasizing the accomplishment of development projects within record timeframes. With an investment of $25.4 billion from the Chinese government and companies, the focus now lies on advancing to the next phases of CPEC, establishing Special Economic Zones, and promoting agriculture, information technology, and mineral resource projects. Sharif expressed confidence in reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on July 12, dispelling any concerns about Pakistan’s potential default. He expressed gratitude to China, the government, and friendly nations for their support during challenging times. In 2013, the Muslim League (N) assumed power after winning the election and commenced a joint project with the Chinese leadership. The signing of the CPEC memorandum on July 5, 2013, marked the inception of this project. Under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, CPEC gained significant momentum, surpassing previous economic achievements in Pakistan’s history. While CPEC is a transparent project, it is regrettable that the previous government did not actively participate and instead engaged in baseless allegations and misinformation, impeding the project’s progress. The present government, upon assuming power, made sincere efforts to strengthen Pakistan-China relations and redirect CPEC towards new horizons. This includes the establishment of Bi-Tobi Special Economic Zones to drive industrialization, production, and exports. Sharif emphasized the vast opportunities for agricultural development through collaboration between Pakistan and China. Despite facing sit-ins, protests, demonstrations, threats, and unfavorable conditions, the coalition government worked tirelessly for the country’s development. PoliticalLahore, Islamabad (Khalid Mahmood, Monitoring Desk, Agencies) Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has called for India to embrace the benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor rather than obstruct its progress. According to him, CPEC will bring advantages not only to Iran, Afghanistan, and Central Asia but also to the entire region. In a statement commemorating the 10-year milestone of CPEC, he congratulated China and Pakistan, affirming that their bond represents a strong and reliable strategic partnership. Sharif stated that CPEC is a testament to the visionary leadership of China’s President Xi Jinping and the development-oriented approach of former leader Nawaz Sharif. He regarded CPEC as President Xi Jinping’s gift to the people of Pakistan. Unfortunately, CPEC faced obstacles for four years, with unfounded allegations directed towards China, a trusted friend. Sharif pointed out that those who oppose CPEC are also impeding the progress of development, peace, and prosperity in Pakistan and the region, as they do not want our people to overcome poverty. However, there is now an accelerated pace of work on CPEC, aimed at eradicating poverty, unemployment, and economic challenges. Sharif urged India to also reap the benefits of C-PEC rather than standing in its way. He emphasized that C-PEC goes beyond improving road, rail, sea, and air routes, encompassing significant plans for healthcare, education, skill development, and inclusive participation in the development process. Sharif described C-PEC as a remarkable initiative that not only connects regions and territories but also unites the hearts of people. It is a transformative project that restructures the economy within the context of globalization, aiming to raise living standards, eliminate poverty, and foster peace in the region.