LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif Tuesday said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hue and cry over China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was unjustified and beyond comprehension.
“CPEC 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,” he said while addressing a seminar on CPEC arranged by Energy Department Punjab at Chief Minister’s Office, on Wednesday.
Federal Minister for Planning & Development Ahsan Iqbal, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, Provincial Ministers, Members National and Provincial Assemblies, Vice Chancellors, energy experts, representatives of Chinese companies working on power projects in Punjab, intellectuals, columnists, journalists and a large number of boy and girl students were present on the occasion.
The chief minister said that China had a trade of 75 billion dollars with India as well as invested billions of dollars in energy projects but Pakistan has no complaint or objection in this regard as it is not its concern. The Modi government of India, he added, should not oppose China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project as it will lead to improvement of economic situation in the region.
He said that the historic package of 46 billion dollars to Pakistan reflects deep love of Chinese leadership to the people of Pakistan and confidence in the policies of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
He said that masses of whole country would benefit from this project and collective efforts would be made for its implementation to make Pakistan a great country.
The chief minister said that China is a sincere and trustworthy friend of Pakistan and has helped the country as a true friend in every hour of need including wars, floods, earthquakes or any natural calamity.
Shahbaz Sharif said that China wants progress and prosperity of Pakistani people and has, therefore, given a historic investment package of billions of dollars.
The chief minister said that when Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif came into power in 2013, he had three big challenges including terrorism, energy crisis and a weak economy. He said that 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 concept of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Shahbaz Sharif said that 33 billion dollars will be spent on power projects. He said that China had also provided a number of opportunities in the past but unfortunately, no benefit was taken but this time no mistake would be made and every effort would be made for the implementation of this historic project.
The chief minister further said that elements who staged sit-ins, committed a grave injustice to the country and the future generations but these persons can no longer hoodwink the masses. He said that those who were involved in negative politics created hurdles in the process of progress and prosperity of the poor masses.
He said that China was ready to help and cooperate with Pakistan like a true friend but Pakistani people could not avail the opportunity due to corruption, inefficiency and political instability in the country. He said that it was time to learn from past mistakes and move forward without wasting any time so as to change the course of history.
Replying to various questions, Shahbaz Sharif said that 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 is any reservation, it can be resolved through negotiation. Replying to other question, he said that a number of power projects will be completed by the end of 2017.
He further said that a huge amount has been allocated in the budget for Gilgit-Baltistan while funds have also been earmarked for Dasu Dam and Dia Mir Bhasha Dam. He said that thousands of megawatt electricity will become available when these dams will be constructed.
Federal Minister for Planning & Development Ahsan Iqbal while addressing on the occasion said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Project will strengthen economic contacts between the two countries and it will change the course of history.
Additional Chief Secretary Energy Jehanzeb Khan and Secretary Minerals Arshad Mehmood also addressed the seminar.
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong met Shahbaz Sharif and discussed matters of mutual interest, promotion of Pak-China relations, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and further cooperation in different sectors.
Talking to the Chinese Ambassador, the chief minister said that Pak-China relations had turned into useful economic ties.
Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong congratulated Shahbaz Sharif on the completion of Pakistan Metro Bus Project in a record period and its inauguration.