In a recent address, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar urged the people of Balochistan, particularly the youth, to seize the historic opportunity for development in their province. He emphasized that opponents of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were on the verge of losing their relevance.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Pak-China Friendship Hospital and Gwadar Seawater Desalination Plant, the prime minister asserted that the journey of CPEC would progress, not regress. He cautioned against attempting to alter the course of CPEC through force, violence, or other means, emphasizing that such actions would lead to a historical blunder with diminishing relevance.
The ceremony, attended by federal ministers, the Caretaker Chief Minister of Balochistan, and Chinese officials including Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, marked the opening of key infrastructure projects. Prime Minister Kakar highlighted the positive impact of CPEC on reducing travel durations across the province and underscored the importance of aligning with the development course.
He noted the significant trade expected in and around China, amounting to $36 trillion in the near future, emphasizing the necessity for skill development and collaboration rather than hostility. Prime Minister Kakar praised China’s modernization journey, stating its positive effects on the region, particularly in Pakistan and Balochistan.
Addressing local issues, the prime minister acknowledged the longstanding problem of clean drinking water in Gwadar and outlined how the desalination plant and a 150-bed hospital would address these concerns. He expressed gratitude for China’s additional support, including a solar power project and emergency services for Quetta.
Assuring security, Prime Minister Kakar emphasized the commitment of federal and provincial governments, pledging that Pakistani security forces would safeguard Chinese workers even at the risk of their lives. He envisioned Gwadar becoming a trade hub through Pak-China cooperation and directed the connection of the Northern Zone with the main grid to address electricity issues.
The Chinese Ambassador, Jiang Zaidong, congratulated Balochistan on the inauguration of the desalination plant and expressed gratitude for the commitment of both federal and provincial governments to CPEC. Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki echoed the sentiments of Pak-China friendship, emphasizing the projects’ positive impact on healthcare and water supply in Gwadar.
In a video address, the Chief Executive of the Agency of International Economic Cooperation of China reiterated the strong partnership between Pakistan and China, pledging continued support for CPEC projects, including Gwadar Airport. He emphasized China’s commitment to Gwadar’s development and its crucial role in CPEC’s high-quality advancement.
