The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives hascategorically refuted recent claims and reports concerning China’s allegedreluctance to expand the scope of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor(CPEC). According to an official press release issued by the ministry onThursday, these assertions have been deemed both factually incorrect andmisleading.
The ministry has underlined the unwavering commitment of both China andPakistan to broaden the horizons of this monumental developmental endeavor.This expansion entails embracing new avenues of cooperation, notably in thedomains of water resources management, climate change, and tourism.
It is imperative to acknowledge that these specified areas of collaborationwere already integral components of the CPEC’s Long Term Plan. During thedeliberations leading up to the 11th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC),both nations reached a consensus to meticulously outline the parameters ofthese projects in forthcoming sessions of their respective Joint WorkingGroups (JWGs). These JWGs, comprised of technical experts from both sides,play a pivotal role in the conceptualization and evaluation of projectproposals within their designated spheres.
This systematic approach adheres to the established protocol for CPECprojects, ensuring that all proposals are subjected to rigorous scrutinyand alignment with the overarching goals and objectives outlined in theLong Term Plan.
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Notably, the footprint of CPEC initiatives has already made substantialinroads, with ongoing projects in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, KhyberPakhtunkhwa (KP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the coastal areas ofPakistan. Moreover, the ministry has affirmed the intention to undertakeeven more projects in these regions as part of the future developmentstrategy.
