CPEC: ‘Completion of western route will help eradicate militancy’

QWP chief says megaproject can alleviate poverty in southern districts

PESHAWAR: If the federal government wants to do away with militancy, it should first complete the western route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to help people in the southern districts of K-P find jobs.

This was said by Qaumi Watan Party Chairperson Aftab Ahmad Sherpao. According to a press release, he was addressing party workers in Shabqadar on Saturday.

“CPEC is the only option to rid people in southern districts of extreme poverty,” the press release quoted him as saying.

He voiced his resentment over Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa being denied its due rights by the federal government, saying the province was already going through crises, especially due to militancy.

“K-P has lost its industry,” the statement quoted him as saying. “Economic activities have been at a standstill since 2007 due to terrorism and capital from the province has been shifted to other provinces or abroad. In such a situation, the federal government should announce a huge package to restore industries and economic activities.”

He also spoke about the announcements of census and 8th National Finance Commission Award by the federal government.

About peace in the region, Sherpao said peace in Afghanistan would have its positive effects in Pakistan.

“Peace on the other side of Durand Line could help Pakistan thrive,” the press release quoted the QWP leader as saying. “All stakeholders should sincerely work to achieve this goal.”

He added CPEC should be linked with roads leading to Afghanistan to restore economic activities in a region marred by terrorism.

The QWP chief urged all political parties to put aside their differences and divert their focus to the restoration of peace and development. 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 8^th, 2016.