Vice Chancellor University of Peshawar Prof Dr. Muhammad Abid while underlining the importance of China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) has said that being a game changer for the entire region, this project will bring peace, prosperity and political advantages to Pakistan. He added that this will not only generate thousands of job opportunities for the educated and skilled youth but will help in generating thousands of megawatt power, and will enable us to establish strong academic linkages between the universities of Pakistan and China. This he stated while addressing as guest of honor at the One Day National Conference on China Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan Economic Corridor (CKPEC), organized by the  China Studies Cell at University of Peshawar, here Tuesday.

The Conference was addressed by Prof Dr. Zahid Anwar Coordinator Cell for China Studies (CCS), Dr. Minhas Majeed Khan, Dr. Khalid Khan Additional Secretary for Higher Education and Archives KP, Prof Dr. Noor Muhammad, Vice Chancellor University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar, Prof Dr. Naushad Khan,  Pro V.C Islamia College University, Prof Taj Muharram Khan, Dean of Social Sciences, UoP and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin, Director IM Sciences Peshawar.

They were of the view that China adheres to close relations with Pakistan and by 2025; nearly three-fourth of China’s petroleum imports will traverse the Indian Ocean and the piracy-plagued Straits of Malacca. They added that China is helping Pakistan in Turning Gwadar into a transit terminal for  African, South American and Middle Eastern oil imports, thus strengthening the argument that CPEC will surely bring more prosperity, success and strength to the relations of both Pakistan and China.  Dr. Zahid Anwar informed the participants that this corridor envisages connectivity, development of rail and road links, fiber optic cable, energy projects and development of special economic zones, adding that it would generate economic activity, peace and stability in the whole region.

They went on to say that CPEC is important in several respects from China and Pakistan adding that China’s whole modernization strategy requires access to abundant supplies of energy. This context fully highlights the significance of Gwadar, CPEC and OBOR (One Belt One Road) and it will economically integrate Pakistan internally and externally.

The speakers while highlighting the sacrifices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in war against terrorism went on to say that this is the front line province and its government, citizens and security forces have performed duties amid blasts, tears and funerals. In this bleak environment CPEC has emerged as a good opportunity. Keeping in view these sufferings, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserves to get benefited from the opportunities provided by the CPEC, the speakers demanded.

Bakht Zaman Yousafzay
Media Officer