Lack of coordination between Centre, provinces hampering CPEC progress

A parliamentary committee on Wednesday observed that the lack of coordination between centre and provinces was hampering the progress on ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. It directed the concerned departments to expedite the provision of utilities to expedite the process of industrialization and to attract foreign direct investment in the multibilliondollar corridor.

"Enhancing exportled growth, reducing imports, strengthening local industries and creating jobs for the people of Pakistan can be achieved by timely provision of basic services," said MNA Sher Ali Arbab, chairman of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on CPEC. The meeting was held in camera to discuss the provision of basic utilities such as gas, electricity and roads etc.

As per a statement issued after the meeting, the chairman, while assuring committee’s complete support, directed concerned ministries, divisions and other quarters to attach top priority to CPEC projects. In his view, the CPEC framework was of pivotal national importance and should be completed timely and effectively.

"This project is important if we, as a nation, are to collectively move towards economic stability and prosperity," Sher Ali Arbab emphasized.

However, the committee members observed a lack of coordination between federal government and provincial government departments on CPEC projects.

"Correspondence between federal and provincial governments takes too long. The best solution to this problem is to make all relevant officials sit together and settle matters amicably," the committee chairman stated.

Speaking on the occasion, the concerned officials assured the committee members that their recommendation to include Torkham to Peshawar ML1 in the CPEC project would be taken up in the 10th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC).

The committee chairman said representatives from various industries would be invited in the upcoming meeting to discuss elaborate CPECrelated business plans.

Meanwhile, the Board of Investment sought the committee’s assistance in 53 different areas concerning Special Economic Zones, whereas secretaries of various ministries/divisions also briefed the members regarding issues pertaining to the corridor.