China-Pak Economic Corridor: PUT vows to oppose changes to route

They feared that the ongoing issue of the proposed changes in the trade corridor will intensify terrorism

PESHAWAR: Terming any alterations to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor a major economic setback for Pukhtuns, the pressure group Pakhtunkhwa Ulasi Tehreek (PUT), said on Friday it will not allow the route to be changed. Through a resolution passed unanimously by the group, its participants said they would not accept an alternative route. A seminar was held at Peshawar Press Club to discuss the matter. PUT members Zakir Hussain, Shahab Khattak, Said Alam Mehsud, Latif Khan as well as Aurat Foundation K-P Resident Director Shabina Ayaz, social activist Farzana Zain, Advocate Hashim Raza, Advocate Tahir Shah and Tariq Afghan participated in the seminar. The group’s members said the tussle for economic empowerment in the region has increased militancy and ongoing issue of the proposed changes in the trade corridor will intensify terrorism. The group vowed to oppose any alterations to the project which can benefit the war-torn province.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 16^th, 2015.