Although the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to China was a routine matter, which is common between the two countries. Such high level visits cover all aspects of mutual interests, but this visit was more focused on China-Pakistan economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan look at CPEC only option for Economic Take-off, as the west has already written-off Pakistan. So the Government of Pakistan and People of Pakistan are committed for the success of CPEC. Generally, speaking, Pakistan is a much diversified society and our constitution empowers us to express our point of view freely and fearlessly. Freedom of expression is guaranteed by Constitution of Pakistan, and it make the nation much divided, but, CPEC is our consensus build strategic decision.
During the visit, Prime Minister Imran Khan commended President Xi Jinping’s visionary Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which aims at enhancing regional and international connectivity. The two sides reiterated that BRI represents a win-win model of international cooperation and provides new opportunities for economic rejuvenation and prosperity of all countries. As a signature project of BRI, the fast development of CPEC has played a significant role in the Belt and Road cooperation. Among the total 6 planned Economic Corridors, CPEC is in much more advance stage. And it may become “role Model” for the rest of the world to be followed.
Both sides reviewed the early harvest phase of CPEC and expressed satisfaction that rapid progress has been made in all areas especially in the energy sector. As a result, the people of Pakistan felt a big relief in the form of less load-shedding. The two sides reaffirmed their complete consensus on the future trajectory of the CPEC, timely completion of its on-going projects and joint efforts for realization of its full potential with a focus on social-economic development, job creation and livelihoods and accelerating cooperation in industrial development, industrial parks and agriculture. The ground work for next phase is already in advance stage.
Both sides agreed to task the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), a high level and powerful platform to explore new areas of cooperation. In this regard, it was decided that the eight session of the JCC will be held in Beijing before the end of the year. To further expand cooperation under CPEC, the two sides announced the setting up of a working group consisting of experts from both sides, on social-economic development to assist with livelihood projects in Pakistan. The Government of PTI is committed to eradicate poverty from Pakistan. China has proven record of Poverty eradication and can help Pakistan a lot.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to CPEC and agreed that it was a win-win enterprise for entire region and would bring regional prosperity and development through enhanced connectivity. It may also include more countries in the future, like Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. In fact, globalization is in-line with China’s over-all major policy. They agreed to discuss the CPEC-related issues including through China-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue, political consultations and JCC.
Recognizing the significance of Gwadar as an important node in cross-regional connectivity and the central pillar of CPEC, both sides agreed to speed up progress on the Port and its auxiliary projects. Linking Gwadar with the rest of Pakistan by network of roads and railways will be priority. The Air linkage will be facilitated and strengthen once the new international airport at Gwadar will be completed.
Both sides dismissed the growing negative propaganda against CPEC and expressed determination to safeguard the CPEC projects from all threats. Both countries will face negative propaganda jointly and cooperate in rebuttal. Pakistan recognized the immense contribution of the Chinese personnel working on various economic projects in Pakistan. And is committed to provide full protection to Chinese nationals and their assets. The Chinese side expressed its appreciation and satisfaction for the measures taken for the security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit will have far reaching impact on Pakistan-China relations, especially on CPEC. It is expected, after his visit the projects under CPEC will be speeded-up and the scope of CPEC will widen and broaden further. It will contribute to his vision to make Pakistan and strong and economically prosper nation.
