CPEC A MILESTONE FOR THE REGION
India still seemingly angry with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) has decided not attending the ongoing conference in Tianjin, China,
At the time, 10 member countries are participating in the ongoing SCO Ministerial Conference while India once again opted not to attend.
As per details Mr.Anand Prakash was listed to attend this SCO conference from India but due to absence his seat was left vacant. Pakistan is represented by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.
In his remarks Mr Khan said that such irresponsible behavior on a global forum is regrettable and shows India’s unwillingness to face its regional counterparts.
“Pakistan has always advocated for mutual respect and cooperation while as a nuclear power, India must adopt a responsible attitude and behave like a good neighbor,”
The SCO delegates from other countries also expressed surprise and disappointment over India’s absence in this Ministerial Session of SCO.
Pakistan has expressed strong commitment to enhance trade through rail, road, and air routes.
Pakistan has keen interest in establishing trade corridors through China, Afghanistan and Iran.Due to the country’s strategic role in regional connectivity and trade activities, Pakistan has focused on the development of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that is an essential part of the Belt Road Initiative (BRI) of China.
The CPEC starts from Khunjerab in the North and continues up to the coastal gateways of Gwadar and Karachi.While, the Khunjerab–Sust Route is already operational year-round despite challenging sub zero temperature and harsh weather conditions.
Pakistan has achieved major milestones in road infrastructure and the focus now is to expand trade beyond the borders of Afghanistan and Iran with fully functional international-standard cargo ports in Gwadar and Karachi.
Meanwhile the regional connectivity initiatives, includes the proposed Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project.
As a permanent member of the SCO since 2017, Pakistan is dedicated to improve communication infrastructure and forming an integrated transport network with other Member States.Pakistan has actively pursued the digitalisation of its Transport Systems and supported cooperation in the region for moving rapidly toward smart transport solutions.
Pakistan has also implemented a visa-on-arrival policy for citizens of 126 countries with over 20,000 visas issued so far under this initiative.
The participants of the expressed commitment to fully implement the decisions of the moot and reaffirmed that the region’s progress hinges on mutual trust, cooperation and modern transport connectivity.
