Media must dispel rumours, negative propaganda against CPEC: Shibli

Says CPEC will allow Pakistan to connect with 65 countries from South Asia, South East Asia, Africa and Middle East

ISLAMABAD:

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz on Wednesday said the Pakistani media should play a positive role in dispelling rumours and negative propaganda against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Addressing a seminar titled, 'CPEC: Challenges and Opportunities', organised by the National Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Senate Special Committee on National Cohesion, the information minister said CPEC is a flagship undertaking for road infrastructure, as well cultural and political integration, with a plethora of development projects including energy and infrastructure.

Highlighting the major infrastructure projects of CPEC, the information minister said that the 2,700km Gawadar-Khanjrab road and up-gradation of ML-1 with multiple power projects and special economic zones along with road infrastructure, are a game-changer for Pakistan.

"CPEC will prove a milestone for an annual rise of GDP for Pakistan with thousands of new job opportunities for youths in Pakistan. Projects associated with CPEC will ensure socio-economic development for Pakistan, not only in the perspectives of cultural modernisation but also enabling and providing an environment for joint working groups from Pakistan and China," he added.

He further stated that CPEC will allow Pakistan to connect with 65 countries from South Asia, South East Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Parliamentary Committee on CPEC Sher Ali Arbab said CPEC is an energy boost for Pakistan and the Chinese model of development will help Pakistan pave its way towards prosperity and development.

He maintained that special economic zones are being established along CPEC, which will become the hub of economic activities and job opportunities for people in the country.

Arbab said the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of any country is linked with the industrialization and exports of a country. Therefore, the government should prioritize this sector under CPEC.

Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudry also noted that Pakistan and China have strengthened their bilateral ties with infrastructure development and road networks.

The minister said Pakistan's export volume is estimated to US$37 billion and with the assistance of Chinese companies through their value-added technology, Pakistan can further increase its exports.

Moreover, Deputy Speaker National Assembly (NA) Qasim Khan Suri said despite Covid-19, the incumbent government has managed to boost economic activities in the country.