ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar termed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as ‘once in century-time opportunity’ and said that Pakistan is focusing on project’s second phase to attain rapid economic and industrial growth.

In an interview with China’s Phoenix TV aired, he said CPEC initiated under China’s Belt and Road Initiative had helped Pakistan witness significant development in diverse sectors.

He mentioned that China’s Urumqi and Pakistan’s northern Gilgit-Baltistan had huge prospects for cooperation, particularly in trade and tourism.

He said Pakistan was expecting big economic activity and an influx of tourists between two countries, which he said would bring an improvement to social and economic lives of people.

 “Urumqi could become an opening gateway for us to mainland China. It is win-win situation for both Pakistan and China,” he said.

He mentioned progress in Balochistan after underdeveloped province was integrated through CPEC projects. On significance of BRI, Kakar said unique opportunity and transformation would not be restricted to Pakistan but would spread to region with development of north-south roads and rail and road networks.

PM Kakar said during his visit to China, he was “Utterly and completely mesmerised” by impressive journey of progress made by China.

“Pakistan and China are intertwined. Though two different countries, but one nation moving in same direction,” he said. On cooperation with China in green energy to combat climate change, he highlighted that Pakistan was one of worst victims of natural disasters and would take it to various multilateral forums of world and China.

“Climate change will determine our policies being an exponential threat to country and region. We cannot respond in isolation,” he said.

About rise of China seen as threat by some countries, he said no power on earth could undo emerging power. “Correct approach to handle is to cooperate with China rather than to contain it,” he said.

On relations with United States, PM Kakar said cooperation in areas of security and counter-terrorism continued as Pakistan was committed to fighting terrorism and extremism.

Asked about prospects of improvement in ties with India, he said Pakistan had very deep and complex challenges from Indian side despite constant efforts for peace. “Peace seems to be an elusive idea from other [India] side,” he said.

He said Pakistan would not miss if there was any opportunity for improvement in relations with India, however, stressed that without resolution of issue of Jammu and Kashmir, dialogue or normal trade activity was “Unthinkable”.

On role of international community in settlement of Jammu and Kashmir issue, he said, “World needs to prioritise moral principles rather than its self-centered strategic interests.”

On situation in Gaza, he called for an immediate ceasefire and said that “Utterly unacceptable violence be treated as war crimes”. He stressed creation of an unhindered humanitarian assistance corridor to Gaza to ensure supply of essentials including food and medicines.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 01 2023

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