PESHAWAR: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the Ameer of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) and chief of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), expressed his appreciation for the previous governments led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for their contributions in strengthening the relations between Pakistan and China. He said that the incumbent government of Pakistan is utilizing all its capabilities to further strengthen Pak-China relations.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman was speaking at a ceremony at the China Window – a Chinese Culture Center in Peshawar – to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The JUI-F visited the various galleries of China Window, signed on the friendship wall, and cut a cake to mark the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Talking to media on the occasion, Maulana Fazlur Rehman criticized the previous government for hindering the development of crucial infrastructure projects, such as the Gwadar International Airport. Without explicitly naming anyone, he mentioned that negative policies and a focus on smaller projects impeded international investment and damaged Pakistan’s reputation. He expressed concern over attempts to isolate the country and the imposition of the third gender concept in 2018. Maulana Fazlur Rehman emphasized that the PDM’s struggle was always driven by the best interests of the nation, bringing together various political forces for a united front.
Highlighting the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Maulana Fazlur Rehman described it as a comprehensive plan for Pakistan’s development and prosperity. He commended China’s economic vision and its willingness to collaborate with Pakistan in establishing free economic zones and trade routes. Despite external pressures, he acknowledged the efforts of the PML-N and PPP governments in initiating and advancing the CPEC projects, which encompassed not only transportation infrastructure but also industrial zones, energy, communication, and technology sectors.
US and India Seek to Undermine CPEC
Maulana Fazlur Rehman pointed out that certain forces, including the United States and India, sought to undermine the CPEC and hinder Pakistan’s economic progress. However, he commended the current government for its commitment to reviving and accelerating the developmental journey. The PDM chief emphasized the need to restore China’s confidence and affirmed that the government was employing all possible means to achieve this. He mentioned the initiation of special economic zones in Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan, similar to the Rashkai Economic Zone, which would bring development and prosperity to the southern districts of the province.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman stressed the importance of strengthening the friendship between Pakistan and China and urged the nation to remain vigilant in this regard.
Regarding Russia, Maulana Fazlur Rehman highlighted a change in their approach, with Russia now seeking better relations with the Islamic world. He acknowledged the benefits of importing oil from Russia and emphasized the significance of fostering closer ties with regional countries based on shared interests.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman commended the organizers of China Window, expressing his delight at the establishment of a center for Pakistan-China friendship in Peshawar. He pledged his full cooperation and support for further advancements in strengthening bilateral relations, stating that guidance would be sought from China Window.
