(February 03, 2017)
President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President AKIA, Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former Provincial Minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said CPEC is to boost Pakistan’s defence capability, internal security and political strength.
The project will put Pakistan on the path of progress and improve its international image which is not acceptable to some countries, he said.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that China has remained a very close ally since decades and now economic interests have brought both the nations together which will help Pakistan resolve many outstanding issues.
China will take additional interest in resolution of Kashmir dispute and improved internal security as a stable Pakistan is necessary for the success of CPEC, he said adding that Chinese interest will internationalise the Kashmir issue which is not acceptable to India.
CPEC will help China increase its influence in region and in the Indian Ocean which is not acceptable to India therefore she is restless over the developments.
Moreover, Iran and Afghanistan are very close to India but they are not against CPEC while Iran wants to join it which has frustrated policymakers in New Delhi, the Business leader said.
India has pushed up political temperature in the region over CPEC and she will never accept Chinese mediation over Kashmir while Afghanistan will be able to benefit from economic corridor if she forges good relations with Pakistan, he said.
The Kashmir dispute, if resolved will help government allocate additional billion to develop the social sector which will reduce unemployment and boost growth.
