Show of support: PUT passes resolution in favour of CPEC

PESHAWAR: Members of Pakhtunkhwa Ulasi Tehreek (PUT) have passed a resolution in favour of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, saying they will vehemently oppose any attempts to change the route of the project.

This was said during a seminar held at Peshawar Press Club on Saturday.

During the session, PUT members criticised the government for its failure to address the needs of the provinces regarding CPEC. They also lauded the role of the political parties in K-P that raised a voice against changing the route of CPEC.

PUT representatives added the prime minister’s letter regarding CPEC after all-parties conference in May 2015 was against the interests of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and did not benefit other provinces either.

They urged parliamentarians of other parties to protest against the matter so it receives adequate attention.

The backdrop

China and Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on CPEC on July 5, 2013. The agreement was signed during Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s visit to China.

CPEC, which will be constructed from 2014 to 2030, aims to create integrated links to Chinese One Road, One Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Route.

With active consultation of Chinese authorities, Pakistan has prepared a plan to construct three corridors, the western alignment, the central alignment and the eastern alignment. The last one has been picked for development in the first phase.

However, since the agreement was signed, various political parties have shown concerns regarding the route of CPEC. Although protests have taken place over its proposed routes, the matter continues to hang in the balance.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2016.