Economic corridor: ‘All provinces must draw from the well’

Parties say execution of project is contrary to PM Sharif’s assurances

PESHAWAR: A matter that seemed settled over two months ago, much to the applause of observers, has now resurfaced. Parties of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have once again voiced reservations over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Through a resolution adopted at a joint conference in the city on Saturday, the parties termed the project Punjab-centred and said its execution is contrary to the assurances made by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif earlier this year.

The event was put together by Pakhtunkhwa Ulasi Tehreek. Qaumi Watan Party Chairman Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao was the chief guest on the occasion while Awami National Party was represented by Mian Iftikhar Hussain and Jamaat-e-Islami K-P chief Professor Mohammad Ibrahim was also present on the occasion.

The resolution stated almost all political forces of the country agreed on the project therefore its benefits should not be confined to one province only.

PUT chief Dr Said Alam Mehsud briefed the attendees over the project. “A number of areas are being ignored.” Conference participants agreed that no changes to the approved route will be tolerated. “Reaction over changes will be harsh amongst the Pukhtuns,” said Sherpao.

The QWP chief said everyone is united for the rights of the Pukhtuns. “It is the K-P government’s responsibility to come forward and raise a voice for us.” Ibrahim maintained the original route will benefit neglected areas of the province immensely. “Failure of the CPEC will affect relations with China.”

In his address, Hussain held federal minister Ahsan Iqbal responsible for the crisis. “At the behest of someone else, Iqbal is fuelling tension and creating a divide between the privileged and underprivileged provinces. The prime minister should clarify his position on the issue.”

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