ISLAMABAD – Minister for Narcotics Control and States and Frontier Regions(SAFRON) Shehryar Khan Afridi Wednesday vowed to transform China PakistanEconomic Corridor (CPEC) into world’s first drug-free investment and tradecorridor.He expressed these views while speaking to Vice Chairman of JiangxiProvincial Committee of People’s Political Consultative Conference, ChenJunqing who visited the ministry here with a 15-member delegation.
He said the state-of-the-art equipment would be installed to achieve thisgoal, besides running an awareness campaign.
Afridi said China, Pakistan bond is unprecedented and this iron bond hascemented this brotherly friendship.
Exchange of students is also key to this Pakistan, China exchangeprogramme, he added.“My Prime Minister values highly President Xi’s vision on povertyalleviation and corruption. Entire Pakistan stands united to support Chinaand CPEC. China today pushes the vision of a global community with sharedfuture for the mankind and this is what distinguishes China from rest ofthe world,” the minister said.
He said Pakistan is the first line of defence against the menace ofnarcotics. He said 85 percent of drugs are produced in Afghanistan andPakistan is playing a pivotal role to protect the world from drugs menace.
“We have developed biggest data bank of narcotics crimes and moneylaundering. We are taking care of Afghan refugees and we are still cateringto three million and for past forty years. We are protecting them andtaking care of them with provision of education, health and safety andbusiness and livelihood,” he added.
Vice Chairman Chen Junqing said Prime Minister Khan’s visit to China wasinstrumental in bringing investment to Pakistan.
Read Top Stories
“No matter how the international scenario, Pakistan, China friendshipremains the same. We admire achievements made by Narcotics Control ministryand Safron ministry.
Jiangxi has 63.1 percent forest coverage rate and it’s the most beautifulin China. Jiangxi is culturally profound and rich in forest coverage,” hesaid.
He said there is a huge space of bilateral cooperation that wouldcontribute to regional and global peace.
“We are impressed by your vision on CPEC. We would love to cooperate andthere is a huge potential for future cooperation. Our investors are keen toinvest in jade and minerals exploration in KP,” he concluded.
