Foolproof CPEC security govt’s top priority: minister

Federal Interior Minister Brig (retd) Ijaz Ahmad Shah on Thursday reiterated that ensuring foolproof security for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects was the top most priority of the government.

In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong in the federal capital, Shah observed that Pakistan and China were like “two bodies and one soul”. He noted that the cooperation between the two had strengthened over the years.

"Ensuring foolproof security for CPEC projects and overall environment is our top priority" Shah said.

"We have increased the manpower and overall strength of FC and Frontier Corps to make sure that no problem is faced in the smooth functioning of CPEC projects," he added.

Ambassador Rong appreciated the security provided by Pakistan for the Chinese people and CPEC projects and thanked Shah for the cooperation in visa-related affairs.

The minister said the overall process of visa issuance had been streamlined and added that the government ensured that people faced no difficulty in this regard.

Shah expressed gratitude towards the Chinese ambassador on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan for providing assistance during the pandemic.

"China came to our help at very early stage, people of our country really appreciate it," he said.

Discussing the vaccine for the virus, the Chinese ambassador stated that “human trials were underway and we are hoping that by the start of next year, good things can be expected”.

Appreciating China's role in the development projects in Pakistan, Shah said CPEC had become a game changer for the entire region.

Earlier, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz urged the media to play a positive role in dispelling rumours and negative propaganda against the 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 maintained that the CPEC was a flagship mega project which included road infrastructure, cultural and political integration and several development schemes including energy and infrastructure.