Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed says all political differences should be removed for good. PHOTO: FILE
QUETTA: Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed on Sunday championed the cause of the local population at least when it comes to reaping the benefits of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other projects, insisting that it is their fundamental right.
Talking to the media in Gwadar after attending a meeting of the parliamentary committee on the CPEC, the panel’s chairman Mushahid said the project would benefit all the provinces of the country. According to him, a suitable package of basic facilities should be provided to the locals.
As an important project for the economic development of Pakistan, the economic corridor will be completed without any complications, he said.
The panel chairman said that all the political parties represented in the committee are united and want to avoid all controversies regarding the project.
“The corridor would not only provide ample trade opportunities to Pakistan but also to China and West Asian countries.”
Mushahid said that all differences should be left behind to move forward, focusing on development, because “this century is the century of economic development’.
He equated the CPEC’s significance to that of Pakistan’s nuclear programme. “The locals need to be provided every basic facility such as education, health and potable water.”
He made the assurance that there would be separate projects for the welfare of the poor fishermen in Gwadar. “Technical institutions would also be set up.”
Panel member tour port
Meanwhile, a delegation of the parliamentary committee visited the Gwadar port and different parts of the harbour.
Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Dostain Jamaldini told the delegation that in addition to Pakistan and China, the corridor project was important for the entire region. “In the first phase, 637 acres have been allocated for the Chinese to establish free trade.”
He added that as a part of the CPEC, upgrading of the port, expressway and airport would be executed soon. “Several other schemes, which are a part of the corridor project, are being implemented. These include development of the water and energy sectors.”
Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch, Senator Sardar Fateh Mohammad Hussani and other federal secretaries and senators were also a part of the delegation.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 30th, 2015.
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