Game changer? Varsity students debate pros and cons of CPEC

Minister says debate imperative for society’s intellectual growth

Students of different universities debated the pros and cons of the China-Pakistan Economic Project (CPEC) in the context of Pakistan’s Vision 2025.

An impassioned and energetic contest was witnessed on Monday in the final round of a four-day debate titled “CPEC- a new game changer”, where both sides presented strong arguments in favour and against the gigantic project.



The contest was arranged by the Higher Education Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform and the International Islamic University, Islamabad.

Around 45 universities from across the country participated in six rounds. Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, who was the chief guest, said that a debate was imperative for society’s intellectual growth.



“Where there is no dialogue, there is no progress,” he said while appreciating the students for having done (prior) research on the topic to present their point of view.

The minister said that the role of youth was very crucial for a healthy discourse in any society. “Young people of our country, who comprise almost two-thirds of the population, must be aware of the challenges as well as opportunities of the CPEC. “The strong arguments in favour and against the topic shows that our youth has great potential for leadership and future planning,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2016.