ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, extended an invitation to arch-rival and neighboring country India, urging them to reap the benefits of this mega project instead of obstructing its progress.
In a statement issued by the PM Office on Wednesday, the Prime Minister emphasized that CPEC would not only bring significant advantages to Pakistan but also have far-reaching positive effects on Iran, Afghanistan, the Middle East, and the entire region.
Describing CPEC as a means to connect regions and people’s hearts, the Prime Minister pledged to accelerate development efforts. He highlighted that the project aimed not only to enhance transportation and infrastructure, but also to improve healthcare, education, and skill development, with greater participation from the masses.
CPEC a Game-Changer for Entire Region
Acknowledging CPEC as a game-changer for the region, PM Shehbaz Sharif envisioned optimistic impacts on the living standards of people throughout the area. He congratulated the leadership and people of China and Pakistan on the successful completion of the ten-year CPEC milestone, which bolstered the time-tested strategic cooperative partnership between the two “Iron Brothers.”
The Prime Minister praised Chinese President Xi Jinping’s vision of peace, friendship, and economic partnership, which found manifestation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
However, he expressed regret over the hurdles and baseless allegations faced by the project during the previous government’s four-year tenure, emphasizing that CPEC’s adversaries aimed to impede peace, prosperity, and development in Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz Sharif underscored that CPEC encompassed a wide array of projects, spanning from water provision to education, technical and skill-based training, and agricultural initiatives to ensure food security.
He also highlighted the significance of the nine planned Special Economic Zones (SEZs), as they would facilitate the transfer of new technology to Pakistan, leading to increased local production.
Moreover, the Prime Minister emphasized the project’s positive impacts on the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the early warning system for natural disasters, which were integral components of the CPEC initiative.
