During the inauguration of ‘one belt one road’ photo exhibition in Islamabad, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid said that Pak-China ties are rooted in the will of the people of both the countries and will unite the people from both sides. Further he asserted that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative would expand the span of bilateral economic relations.[1]
Since the inception of the (CPEC), the importance of research has increased. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s (TDAP) Chief Executive held a meeting with the trade delegation of China Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR) where TDAP ensured its support in crafting a link between research institutes of both countries.[2]
The government of Pakistan approved the 285-kilometre long western route of the (CPEC) ,although Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa objected over its alignment and claimed that it is in violation of the agreement reached at an all party’s conference (APC).[3]
The government tends to shelve its initial plan for installing Gwadar Coal Power Project of 300 megawatt (MW) with estimated cost of $360 million. This 300 megawatt project is a part of the CPEC project. The final decision to this effect would be taken by Ministry of Water and Power and Gawadar Development Authority (GDA) with mutual consultation of all stakeholders.[4]
British scholar Anatol Lieven attended a conference at the Institute of Policy Reforms (IPR) where he emphasized on the economic significance of the CPEC. He assured that the corridor will help alleviate poverty in Pakistan by creating new business and job opportunities.[5]
Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sardar Sanaullah Khan Zehri called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at PM House and praised the leadership of PM for prioritizing development schemes in Balochistan which would indeed address the grievances of the people of the province.[6]
[1] http://www.radio.gov.pk/22-Apr-2016/people-of-pakistan-china-connected-in-strong-bonds-of-friendship-brotherhood-rashid
[2] http://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/business/chinese-trade-delegation-meets-chief-executive-tdap/
[3] http://tribune.com.pk/story/1090144/ecnec-meeting-cpec-western-route-wins-tentative-nod/
[4] http://www.thenews.com.pk/print/115414-Govt-set-to-shelve-Gwadar-Coal-Project
[5] http://nation.com.pk/columns/25-Apr-2016/the-importance-of-cpec
[6] http://dunyanews.tv/en/Pakistan/333448-Balochistan-to-reap-highest-benefits-from-CPEC-PM