The Ministry of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives has categorically refuted recent claims and reports concerning China's alleged reluctance to expand the scope of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). According to an official press release issued by the ministry on Thursday, these assertions have been deemed both factually incorrect and misleading.
The ministry has underlined the unwavering commitment of both China and Pakistan to broaden the horizons of this monumental developmental endeavor. This expansion entails embracing new avenues of cooperation, notably in the domains of water resources management, climate change, and tourism.
It is imperative to acknowledge that these specified areas of collaboration were already integral components of the CPEC's Long Term Plan. During the deliberations leading up to the 11th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC), both nations reached a consensus to meticulously outline the parameters of these projects in forthcoming sessions of their respective Joint Working Groups (JWGs). These JWGs, comprised of technical experts from both sides, play a pivotal role in the conceptualization and evaluation of project proposals within their designated spheres.
This systematic approach adheres to the established protocol for CPEC projects, ensuring that all proposals are subjected to rigorous scrutiny and alignment with the overarching goals and objectives outlined in the Long Term Plan.
Notably, the footprint of CPEC initiatives has already made substantial inroads, with ongoing projects in regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and the coastal areas of Pakistan. Moreover, the ministry has affirmed the intention to undertake even more projects in these regions as part of the future development strategy.