ISLAMABAD: Ahsan Iqbal, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, urged the Ministry of Interior on Friday to guarantee that a security review meeting on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor takes place every month.
According to a press statement released here, the minister delivered the order while chairing a meeting to examine the security progress on CPEC projects.
The Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary Ministry of Interior, Secretary Ministry of Information, and other important parties attended the meeting.
The Minister emphasised the need of creating a safe and secure environment for CPEC, as well as managing kinetic and non-kinetic difficulties efficiently.
CPEC is a flagship initiative of Pakistan-China Economic Cooperation that has the potential to transform Pakistan into an industrial nation. The Minister expressed regret that the momentum of 2013-18 could not be maintained.
He also raised worry over Pakistan’s lack of participation in the CPEC’s joint working committee on security.
He ordered the Ministry of the Interior to hold monthly meetings on a regular basis. He went on to say that without a coordinated effort, there could be holes that need to be addressed.
Mr. Iqbal remarked that the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) should operate in accordance with its set mission and objectives in order to offer the government with a comprehensive assessment of security threats entrenched in the country’s socioeconomic situation.
He went on to say that it will assist the government expand its security lens by addressing people’s socio-economic problems, which, if neglected, might lead to security issues.
