Pakistan, China to form MPs panel for CPEC oversight

NA speaker, Chinese NPC chairman discuss bilateral cooperation

ISLAMABAD:

A joint committee, comprising members of Pakistan’s parliament and China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) will be formed for an effective oversight of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The agreement in this regard was reached during a virtual meeting between National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and NPC Chairman Li Zhanshu. The proposal for a joint parliamentary committee was floated by Chairman Li, said a statement issued here.

The official statement released after the virtual meeting stated that both the leaders agreed to enhance parliamentary cooperation through interaction at the standing committee-level as well as Parliamentary Friendship Group.

“Subsequently, both the presiding officers directed their secretariats to take necessary steps for constitution of a joint parliamentary committee,” the statement added. They agreed that enhanced bilateral parliamentary and economic cooperation would boost the bilateral relations.

“CPEC is of utmost importance for the economies of both the countries,” said Li, while speaking about the flagship project of the China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Referring to the instances of terrorism, he “underlined the need for security of CPEC to keep it moving on the right track.”

Qaiser said that CPEC was undoubtedly the lifeline for economic development of Pakistan and a mechanism had been devised to ensure security of the project. “Any attempt to disrupt activity under CPEC would not be tolerated,” he added.

Qaiser said that activity under CPEC had gained momentum and the Rashakai Special Economic Zone would be functional soon, which would generate economic activity besides providing employment, particularly in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The both sides agreed that the legislative interaction should continue virtually till the Covid-19 disease fizzled out. They also agreed for an interactive virtual meeting of the members of both houses in commemoration of the 71st anniversary of Pakistan-China diplomatic relations.

Qaiser congratulated his Chinese counterpart on the 71st anniversary of the Sino-Pakistan diplomatic relations and the Chinese New Year. “Pakistan considers China its closest friend, staunchest partner and an iron brother,” Qaiser said.

“Consistent progression in the relations exemplifies a unique model of brotherhood,” the speaker continued. “Pakistan strongly believes in territorial integrity of China and fully supports One-China policy.” He said that Pakistan values Chinese support on international and regional forums.

He also appreciated China’s equivocal support on the Kashmir issue. “Kashmir being the bleeding wound on the map of the world needed international attention for mitigation of miseries of Kashmiri people and fulfilment of international commitment,” the speaker said.

The NPC chairman said that Gawadar port and other projects under CPEC would play an important role in economic development in Pakistan. “China considers Pakistan one of its brother and a closest strategic ally. China will always stand by Pakistan for its defence and its territorial integrity.”

Li said that Covid-19 was devastating for China as well as the world; however, the support of Pakistan, especially the [country’] parliament, boosted the Chinese morale in the fight against the disease. . He assured of provision of Covid-19 vaccine by the Chinese government on a priority basis.

Paying special gratitude to the Speaker Qaiser, Li said that his support for the establishment of special economic zones under the CPEC earlier as Speaker of the K-P assembly and later as the National Assembly speaker had been exemplary.

During the meeting, Qaiser was accompanied by Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri, CPEC Committee Chairman Sher Ali Arbab, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ehsanullah Tiwana, Pak-China Friendship Group Convener Noor Alam Khan and other members of the National Assembly

The NPC chairman was accompanied by Deputy chair of the NPC and Chairmen of the Committees on Foreign Affairs and Law. This virtual meeting was the first high-level contact between the two presiding officers after the breakout of Covid-19 pandemic.