Strong ties: CPEC to be proponent of peace: Pervaiz Rashid

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid said on Tuesday that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be a proponent of peace and regional prosperity.

While addressing a seminar on “Pakistan China Iron Brothers”, organised by Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage in connection with the 65th anniversary of celebrations of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, Rashid said the convoys that will ply on the corridor project would not conquer other countries but help provide basic amenities of life to the people of the region.

This road of peace would sprout the springs of development in the region, he added.

The minister said Pakistan and China harbour no enmity towards any country and seek peace and friendship with all.

Over the last 65 years, the relations between the two countries have grown from strength to strength despite changes in internal or external situation. This speaks volumes about the bonds between the two countries which are rooted in the will of the people.

He said there was a complete unanimity among Pakistanis irrespective of their political affiliations, professions or origin that China is a sincere friend and a strategic ally.

While state relations are usually considered to be based on national interest - relationship between Pakistan and China is an example that inter-state relations based on understanding, mutual respect and people to people centered are enduring, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2016.