CPEC is a connectivity project, says Islamabad
islamabad— The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a development and connectivity project for the betterment of the people in the region and beyond, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Nafis Zakaria has said.
In response to a media query regarding US Secretary of Defence James Mattis’ statement on CPEC, the spokesperson said the international community should focus on human rights violations committed by Indian forces in the Indian-administered Kashmir.
Mattis had said that the One Belt One Road (OBOR) Initiative “also goes through disputed territory.
Mattis’ comments were widely interpreted as the US backing India’s stand on the OBOR initiative related to the $50 billion CPEC which is being built through Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The Pakistan foreign office spokesman said that as far as the Kashmir conflict is concerned, efforts should be made to implement United Nations Security Council resolutions in the region.
“The international community should focus on human rights violations and heinous crimes committed in Kashmir,” the spokesman said.
The project, other than bringing in overall economic benefits for the country, has proved as a real game changer for the Thar peope who are now availing the employment opportunities offered by Thar Coal mining and power project. The Thar coal mining and power project initiated under the umbrella of CPEC has so far employed over 1,500 local people of the area. — APP